Austin, Texas-based duo The Wind and The Wave, newest signing to Island Records, released their brand new single, “Grand Canyon,” the first advance track from their long-awaited second album, HAPPINESS IS NOT A PLACE, produced by Butch Walker, due later this year.

Currently on a mini-tour of their native Lone Star State, The Wind and The Wave will make a stop at the intimate Pianos on New York’s Lower East Side on May 24^th.  A week later on May 30^th, the duo will kick off a summer tour of the U.S. and Canada opening for Iceland band Kaleo, who now also make Austin their home.  (See all tour dates below.)  The Wind and The Wave have previously toured with Stereophonics, Bob Schneider, Jamestown Revival, Bare Naked Ladies, the Colourist, Norway’s Bernhoft, and others; and have performed at such major U.S. festivals as SXSW, Bonnaroo, Firefly, Summerfest, and Forecastle.  In 2014, they opened for Fun. and Bruce Springsteen at the NCAA March Madness Music Festival in Dallas.

HAPPINESS IS NOT A PLACE is the much-anticipated follow-up to The Wind and The Wave’s debut album of 2014, From The Wreckage (RCA), which included the Top 30 AAA track, “With Your Two Hands.”  The duo soon found their songs being sync’d on TV in The Vampire Diaries, Nashville, Killer Women, Supernatural, Hart of Dixie, Quantico, iZombie, and Grey’s Anatomy, which featured their cover of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.”  That cover eventually made it to #1 on Shazam’s USA Future Hits chart.  (The Wind and The Wave also re-recorded Simple Minds’ “Don't You Forget About Me” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Time after Time” for the ABC series).

The Wind (Dwight Baker) and The Wave (Patricia Lynn), best friends whose mantra is “If it feels forced, f*** it,” met in 2009, when Matchbox Studios owner Dwight ventured out to a club one night to see a local band; Patty’s previous band was the opener and Dwight was cap­tivated.  He showed an interest in working with her, and a creative partnership was born.  The two describe themselves as being “cut from the same thread” and “rarely on different pages.”

By 2012, Dwight and Patty had started a writing group with a bunch of friends, an idea, Dwight admits, they “ripped off directly from [supportive fellow Austin singer-songwriter] Bob Schneider.”  The discipline led them to churn out a song a week for six months.  “It was just, ‘Let’s get really high, drink lots of whiskey, and write for the f*** of it,” Dwight says. “That’s how it all started.”  The Wind and The Wave’s first shows together were opening for Schneider.

THE WIND + THE WAVE OPENING FOR KALEO:

May     30        Portland, OR                           Revolution Hall

June    4          Denver, CO                            Gothic Theatre

            5          Canon City, CO                      Royal Gorge Bridge

            10        Los Angeles, CA                     El Rey

July    18        Columbia, MO                        Blue Note

            19        St. Louis, MO                          Blueberry Hill

            20        Milwaukee, WI                        Turner Hall

            22        Pittsburgh, PA                         Mr. Smalls

In 2014, Austin, TX duo JAMESTOWN REVIVAL emerged with their breakthrough full-length album UTAH.  Blending literary storytelling, rock ‘n’ roll grit, indie spirit, and country soul, iTunes crowned UTAH the “Best of 2014: Singer-Songwriter Album of the Year.” With the band’s popular anthem, “California (Cast Iron Soul)” leading the way, everyone from Rolling Stone and KCRW to the Wall Street Journal and The Boston Globe featured the band. JAMESTOWN REVIVAL then made their national television debut with rollicking performances on Conan, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and Last Call With Carson Daly, and brought a whole lot of live ruckus to festivals such as Coachella, Stagecoach, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, and Bottlerock Festival, among others.

JAMESTOWN REVIVAL recently returned with a new single “Love Is A Burden,” which you can listen to HERE.  Their highly anticipated sophomore album, The Education of A Wandering Man [Republic Records], is due out this fall.  The band also announced a full-scale North American headline tour entitled “THE WANDERING MAN TOUR” which kicks off August 11^th in Denver, CO at the Bluebird Theatre and includes over 23 dates across the country, including a performance at The Greek Theater and New York’s Bowery Ballroom (see full itinerary here).

Jamestown Revival stopped by CONAN to perform their latest single “Love Is A Burden” off their new album The Education Of A Wondering Man (out 10/7). The band is gearing up to head out on a string of North American tour dates including a stop at Bowery Ballroom in NYC on Monday, October 24^th.

Legendary songwriter and musician Robbie Robertson’s new holiday song “Happy Holidays” is an irreverent take on the holiday tune tradition, juxtaposing tongue-in-cheek lyrics about the duality of the yuletide season with some beautiful guitar melodies.

“We love Christmas and the holidays, it brings good cheer, and also stress and depression, so I wanted to do a song that celebrates both sides and have a little fun,” says Robertson.

The recently recorded song, which features Robertson playing a variety of instruments, is now available to stream, download and add to your holiday playlists. Robertson is donating his proceeds from the song to the American Indian College Fund. Stream/download “Happy Holidays” now:  https://RobbieRobertson.lnk.to/HappyHolidays

Robertson is no stranger to holiday music having written The Band’s stunning “Christmas Must Be Tonight,” released in 1977 on their final studio album, Islands. The song has become a seasonal favorite in the holiday canon and continues to be recorded by new generations of musicians. Robertson himself reprised it with an updated version for the classic Christmas film, “Scrooged.”

This past weekend, Robertson made a rare live appearance for his first live performance since 2013 as special guest at “The Last Waltz Nashville: An All-Star Celebration of The Band’s Historic Farewell Concert” Saturday at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The inaugural holiday event was a thrilling celebration of The Band’s historic 1976 Thanksgiving concert, immortalized in the concert film, “The Last Waltz,” and featured performance by some of music’s biggest stars including Darius Rucker, Michael McDonald, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Nathaniel Rateliff, Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson, Margo Price, Don Was, John Medeski, Cyril Neville, Dave Malone, Bob Margolin, Terence Higgins and Mark Mullins & The Levee Horns.

Robertson recently supervised a suite of new releases to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Band’s seminal self-titled “Brown” album. The newly remixed and expanded 50th Anniversary Edition packages include a multi-format Super Deluxe Edition boxed set that boasts a new stereo mix of the 1969 album by Bob Clearmountain from the original multi-track masters along with a host of unreleased outtakes and alternate recordings and The Band’s long-sought-after full Woodstock performance on 2CD/Blu-ray/2LP/7-inch vinyl. Half a century later the album remains as beloved as ever and the new 2019 collections have earned resounding praise with MOJO declaring in their glowing 5-star review, “50 years on, the music remains both fresh and out of time, simultaneously belonging to past, present and future. Story songs – historical, mythological -- aching balladry, lascivious rockers – performed with tight ensemble subtlety and three of the greatest singers ever trading lines – it’s a work of enduring perfection.” American Songwriter bestowed The Band with a perfect rating and remarked, “With a classic this iconic in the annals of Americana, it’s well worth revisiting The Band to bask in one of the finest albums of its, or any other, era,” while Rolling Stone hailed it as a “masterpiece.” Variety was especially taken by the previously unreleased Woodstock performance: “it’s revelatory to hear these songs, vaunted for their realness, sounding even more real.” Listen/order The Band (50th Anniversary Edition): https://TheBand.lnk.to/TheBand50

Robertson has had an especially exciting and prolific year with the recent releases for The Band as well as his latest studio album, Sinematic, which includes two songs – “I Hear You Paint Houses” and “Remembrance” – that are featured in Martin Scorsese’s mob epic “The Irishman,” alongside Robertson’s original score. Now out in theatres the film will hit Netflix on Wednesday, November 27. Following the world premiere of the new feature film documentary, “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band,” at the Toronto International Film Festival in September where the movie opened the festival, it recently premiered in the U.S. at New York City’s prestigious DOC NYC documentary film festival. Inspired by Robertson’s acclaimed 2016 autobiography, “Testimony,” director Daniel Roher’s “Once Were Brothers” is a confessional, cautionary, and sometimes humorous tale of Robertson’s young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band. The compelling film blends rare archival footage, photography, iconic songs, and interviews with many of Robertson’s friends and collaborators, including Martin Scorsese, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Taj Mahal, Dominique Robertson, and Ronnie Hawkins. It will receive a theatrical release in early 2020 via Magnolia Pictures.

The incomparable life and extraordinary, trailblazing career of jazz titan and influential composer Charlie Parker will be honored throughout 2020 with a worldwide celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth (August 29, 1920). Lovingly dubbed Bird 100 after the nickname of the preeminent alto saxophonist who was one of the fathers of bebop and progenitors of modern jazz, the centennial will include a host of major initiatives including exciting new music releases, a tribute tour, festivals and events, prestigious exhibitions, special partnerships, a unique graphic novel, exclusive collectible art, and myriad of independent appreciations and concerts.

“The centennial of Charlie Parker is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate his life, legacy and art form with the world. We are thrilled to honor Bird's transformative musical impact on past, present and future generations,” said the Estate of Charlie Parker.

Parker’s longtime label Verve Records in conjunction with UMe, the global catalog company of Universal Music Group, will kick off the yearlong celebration this week with a limited edition vinyl pressing of the rare 12” LP, The Magnificent Charlie Parker, an exclusive release for Record Store Day’s Black Friday, taking place Friday, November 29 at independent record stores around the country. The limited album, out of print on vinyl since its original 1955 release, is pressed on vibrant yellow vinyl and includes a quintessential David Stone Martin cover as well as painstakingly recreated art including Clef Records labels. The 11-song LP features Parker going toe-to-toe with frequent collaborators Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, Max Roach and John Lewis with arrangements by Gil Evans.

The artwork for The Magnificent Charlie Parker is also available for purchase, along with four additional classic album covers, including four by David Stone Martin, as archival quality, framed canvas prints exclusively via uDiscover. The high-end wall art is available in a variety of sizes and includes the albums: Big Band, Machito Jazz With Flip & Bird, The Magnificent Charlie Parker, Charlie Parker With Strings and Charlie Parker With Strings (Vol. 2). For more information and to order, visit uDiscover: https://shop.udiscovermusic.com/collections/charlie-parker

Verve/UMe plan to celebrate Parker with several releases throughout 2020 and are currently in the works on a vinyl boxed set of Parker’s complete Clef 10” albums featuring David Stone Martin’s iconic illustrated covers. Charlie Parker: The Clef 10” Albums Collection will arrive on August 28, 2020 timed with Parker’s 100th birthday and include five extraordinary albums he recorded for Norman Granz’s Clef Records: Bird and Diz, Charlie Parker, Charlie Parker Plays South Of The Border, Charlie Parker With Strings and Charlie Parker With Strings (Vol. 2). The LPs will feature newly remastered audio from the original analog tapes and will include faithful reproductions of the classic artwork and packaging. The albums will pressed on 180-gram black 10” vinyl and will be housed in an attractive slipcase. Representing Bird’s fruitful late ‘40s to mid-50s Clef period, the albums have never been released together and all but Bird and Diz have been out of print on vinyl since their original releases. These albums are being presented in the form they were originally released in for the first time in more than six decades.

Craft Recordings will release The Savoy 10-inch Collection in February 2020. The deluxe boxed set features four 10” LPs cut from newly restored and remastered audio. The collection highlights Parker’s pioneering bebop recordings for Savoy Records from 1944-1948, featuring jazz legends Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Lewis, Bud Powell, Max Roach and more. The package includes faithfully restored original album artwork, plus a booklet containing vintage photos, rare ephemera and new liner notes by GRAMMY®-winning author Neil Tesser. The complete set will also be released digitally.

Bird’s incredible legacy and immortal music will soar throughout the year with a variety of festivals, concerts, events and an exciting tribute tour. Sanctioned by the Estate of Charlie Parker, “Fly Higher: Charlie Parker @ 100” features acclaimed co-musical directors Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto saxophone) and Terri Lyne Carrington (drums) as they celebrate the jazz master, one of the most innovative and influential artists in modern musical history and examine his impact in pop, hip-hop, rap, rock and jazz. Joined by a superb lineup including Charenée Wade (vocals), Adam O’Farrill (trumpet), Kris Davis (piano), Larry Grenadier (bass) and Kassa Overall (DJ), Mahanthappa and Carrington will honor Parker’s centennial year by showcasing Parker’s uncompromising musical joy, humor and beauty by mining his deep repertoire and showcasing new, modern compositions. The tour is produced by Danny Melnick for Absolutely Live Entertainment and represented for bookings by International Music Network. For more information, visit charliebirdparker.com/events/tour-events

Parker’s hometown Kansas City, Kansas and his adopted hometown New York City will honor the legend with their annual festivals and both have big plans for his 100th birthday. On the last weekend of August 2020, the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival will kick off in New York City. For the past 28 years, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival has presented some of the finest musicians in the world who reflect Charlie Parker’s musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist. Produced by City Parks Foundation, the festival is a vibrant and free celebration of jazz that brings together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists. The festival is held over the course of three days in neighborhoods where Charlie Parker lived and worked, in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park and the East Village's Tompkins Square Park. More information will be available here soon: cityparksfoundation.org/charlieparker

Birdland, the NYC jazz club that adopted their ornithological name in 1949 to capitalize on the popularity of their regular headliner Charlie “Yardbird” Parker, will curate a month-long Charlie Parker Jazz festival at the famed venue in August 2020. Each week will feature a different headliner honoring Bird with the festivities launching with “Bird With Strings” in which renowned clarinetist Ken Peplowski will be the music director and he and a conductor friend will invite different soloists, on many different instruments, to play the arrangements with a chamber orchestra. This will be followed with Birdland’s 10th annual “Bird-thday Celebration” featuring an all-star ensemble performing Parker’s compositions. The month will culminate with celebrated saxophonist Joe Lovano and the Joe Lovano Us Five who will do a reprise of Bird Songs, their Bird-themed album released on Blue Note Records in 2011. For tickets and more info, visit Birdlandjazz.com.

Additionally in NYC, Jazz Congress will host a panel discussion about Parker titled “Bird and Beyond: Celebrating Charlie Parker at 100” at the conference taking place January 13-14th, 2020 at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Later in the year, the New York Public Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center will present a series of programs that will include conversations and screenings in the Library's Bruno Walter Auditorium, plus listening salons of rarely heard recordings in the Library cafe.

Celebrating its sixth year, the annual Charlie Parker Celebration in Kansas City, Kansas will celebrate Parker’s centennial with Spotlight: Charlie Parker, a 10-day citywide celebration of his life and music on August 20-29, 2020. KC Jazz Alive, University of Missouri Kansas City, the American Jazz Museum, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Mutual Musicians Foundation, Bruce Watkins Cultural Center and numerous other cultural and civic organizations will host jam sessions, tours, lectures, exhibits, panel discussions, poetry slams, workshops and concerts celebrating Charlie Parker—Kansas City’s native son. More information available at Spotlightcharlieparker.org

Other collaborations and partnerships include an event at The GRAMMY Museum® in Los Angeles to be announced at a later date, an official custom Charlie Parker Legends Series alto saxophone mouthpiece with RS Berkeley, modeled after the original one Parker used, and a graphic novel that the Charlie Parker Estate is currently developing with the esteemed Z2 Comics. The boutique company which has pioneered the “graphic album” format will bring some of Charlie Parker’s wild stories to vivid life through the marriage of comics and music.

charBird 100 will be an incredible opportunity to bring Charlie Parker’s music to new audiences, expand awareness of his role in not only advancing jazz but helping to invent the artform known as bebop, celebrate his importance as an early “superstar soloist” of modern music and bring the extraordinary, inspirational and heartbreaking story of the man known as “Bird” to new platforms.

With the release of The Hot Rats Sessions – the 50th anniversary boxed set of Frank Zappa’s landmark first solo album, Hot Rats – just around the corner next Friday, December 20, the Zappa Trust is pleased to share the previously unreleased outtake, “Dame Margret’s Son To Be A Bride (1969 Quick Mix).” Recorded at T.T.G. Studios in Hollywood during the sessions for Hot Rats, the instrumental composition written by Zappa features the basic rhythm tracks, performed by Max Bennett on bass and Paul Humphrey on drums, that were eventually used for the song, “Lemme Take You To The Beach,” on 1978’s Studio Tan. Unheard until now, the song from disc 6 of the six-disc collection, also features multi-instrumentalist Ian Underwood’s tack piano performance that has since been lost, allowing the only opportunity to hear the original version. The quick mix was run off by Zappa following the basic track sessions so he could hear back what the musicians created. “Dame Margret’s Son To Be A Bride (1969 Quick Mix)” is available now to stream and as an instant grat download with preorder. Stream/purchase here: https://UMe.lnk.to/HotRats50thPR

The Zappa Trust is also excited to reveal more details and a first look at the one-of-a-kind “Zappa Land” board game included in The Hot Rats Sessions. Inspired by vintage board games, players are tasked with helping Frank get back to the studio to finish Hot Rats. Starting at home in Laurel Canyon, players will move their guitar pick playing piece through a windy and unpredictable path to the recording studio. Just make sure you don’t get attacked by hot rats or end up with a watery cup of coffee.  

Hot Rats was Zappa’s inimitable, groundbreaking first solo album which put the songwriter and musician on the map as a virtuosic guitarist and changed the course of music forever with its conceptual, compositional and technological innovations. Self-described as a “movie for your ears,” the mostly instrumental 1969 album was a new musical avenue for Zappa following the dissolution of his band The Mothers Of Invention as he melded the sophistication of jazz with the attitude of rock and roll to create a highly influential masterpiece widely hailed today as a pioneering album of jazz-rock fusion.

Releasing on December 20, just one day before what would have been Zappa’s 79th birthday, Zappa Records and UMe is celebrating Hot Rats and the legendary composer’s highly prolific 1969 period with the mammoth six-disc boxed set, The Hot Rats Sessions. This expansive new collection documents and compiles every composition recorded during several days in July 1969 when Zappa recorded Hot Rats and a wealth of other material that ended up being used throughout multiple releases during his lifetime. Filled with an abundance of rare and unedited mixes, work mixes, relevant Vault nuggets and complete basic tracks mixed from the original multi-track master tapes by Craig Parker Adams and mastered by Bob Ludwig in 2019, the collection provides a fascinating look into the making of this classic album, and includes essentially every musical entity that was recorded during these iconic sessions.

Overseen by the Zappa Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Zappa Vaultmeister, Joe Travers, The Hot Rats Sessions will be available in a 6CD boxed set and digitally, including Apple Digital Master. This creatively fertile time in Zappa’s career is visually brought to life through a beautiful 28-page booklet featuring striking never-before-seen images of the recording sessions by Bill Gubbins, photographs of the master tapes and tape boxes, and stunning outtakes from original Hot Rats cover photographer, Andee Nathanson’s shoot with Miss Christine. Nathanson provides the collection’s new cover image and several unreleased photos, all from the same photoshoot, captured on Infrared film which gave the original album its otherworldly look. The photographer vividly details the shoot in the liner notes which also includes essays by Zappa collaborator Ian Underwood and Vaultmeister Travers and an appreciation from “The Simpsons” creator and lifelong Zappa fan Matt Groening, who recounts his first time listening to Hot Rats as a teenager: “From the opening moments of that unforgettable drum fill, I was transported. The kaleidoscopic, calliopean, dare-I-say-callipygian, mini-masterpiece ‘Peaches En Regalia’ elevated my scrawny body into the air, spun me around like a propeller beanie, and melted my brain.”

The original Hot Rats album will be pressed on limited edition translucent hot pink 180-gram vinyl featuring the 1969 mix mastered from the original analog master tapes by Bernie Grundman in 2008 and pressed at Pallas in Germany. Last month for Record Store Day’s Black Friday, a limited edition 10” picture disc Peaches En Regalia was released. The EP has rare mono mixes on Side A of “Peaches En Regalia” and “Little Umbrellas,” intended in 1969 as a promotional single, and the 1969 unreleased rhythm track mixes from the forthcoming boxed set on the flipside.

Hot Rats was composed, arranged, and produced by Zappa who played guitar on all tracks and delivered extraordinary solos throughout. One of the best-selling albums of his career, the six-song record is made up of five instrumentals, including one of his most beloved works, “Peaches En Regalia.” Frequent Zappa collaborator Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart provides his unmistakable vocals to lone non-instrumental, the skronky blues-rock number, “Willie The Pimp.” Star musicians on these sessions include multi-instrumentalist Ian Underwood, violinists Don “Sugarcane” Harris and Jean Luc Ponty, bassist Max Bennett, drummers Jon Guerin (Max and Jon played together in the famed fusion outfit L.A. Express), Paul Humphrey and Ron Selico, R&B pioneer Johnny Otis and his 15-year-old son, Shuggie Otis who lays down some astounding, ahead of his time bass lines on “Peaches En Regalia” and several other tracks. 

The Hot Rats Sessions offers a riveting and revealing fly-on-the-wall experience by showcasing the genesis and evolution of the Hot Rats songs as well as tracks that would be featured on Zappa’s acclaimed albums, Burnt Weeny Sandwich, Weasels Ripped My Flesh, Studio Tan and Chunga’s Revenge. Hot Rats was the first record to be recorded on a prototype 16-track tape machine and this new technology, along with Zappa’s overdub techniques, further inspired him to create and innovate. The first three and a half discs of the set are dedicated to the basic track recording sessions recorded at T.T.G. Studios in Hollywood, California on July 18, 28, 29 and 30th, and allows listeners the opportunity to experience what it would be like to be in the studio as Zappa perfected these compositions. His intense work ethic is on full display and a newfound respect is gained for the choices he made when creating the final masterwork.

The fifth and sixth discs of the set presents the original Hot Rats album with Zappa’s 1987 digital re-mix along with an assortment of extras such as vintage promotional audio ads for the album, the mono singles of “Peaches En Regalia” and “Little Umbrellas” and rare mixes of more than a dozen tracks. The Hot Rats Sessions is rife with unreleased session material and also includes the first-ever official release of “Bognor Regis,” and several unedited masters of songs like “Peaches En Regalia,” “Twenty Small Cigars,” “Toads Of The Short Forest,” “Lil’ Clanton Shuffle” and “Directly From My Heart To You.”

The Hot Rats Sessions provides an awe-inspiring snapshot of an especially productive time for Zappa, who in the year 1969 alone, outside of his own projects, produced Captain Beefheart’s outsider classic, Trout Mask Replica and the one and only album for The GTO’s, toured and had his second child. With this new, exciting deep dive, fans can explore one of Zappa’s most revered records like never before and experience how it coalesced to become one of the greatest albums of all time.

THE HOT RATS SESSIONS

CD1

Piano Music (Section 1)

Piano Music (Section 3)

Peaches En Regalia (Prototype)

Peaches En Regalia (Section 1, In Session)

Peaches En Regalia (Section 1, Master Take)

Peaches Jam - Part 1

Peaches Jam - Part 2

Peaches En Regalia (Section 3, In Session)

Peaches En Regalia (Section 3, Master Take)

Arabesque (In Session)

Arabesque (Master Take)

Dame Margret's Son To Be A Bride (In Session)

CD2

It Must Be A Camel (Part 1, In Session)

It Must Be a Camel (Part 1, Master Take)

It Must Be a Camel (Intercut, In Session)

It Must Be a Camel (Intercut, Master Take)

Natasha (In Session)

Natasha (Master Take)

Bognor Regis (Unedited Master)

Willie The Pimp (In Session)

Willie The Pimp (Unedited Master Take)

Willie The Pimp (Guitar OD 1)

Willie The Pimp (Guitar OD 2)

CD3

Transition (Section 1, In Session)

Transition (Section 1, Master Take)

Transition (Section 2, Intercut, In Session)

Transition (Section 2, Intercut, Master Take)

Transition (Section 3, Intercut, In Session)

Transition (Section 3, Intercut, Master Take)

Lil’ Clanton Shuffle (Unedited Master)

Directly From My Heart To You (Unedited Master)

Another Waltz (Unedited Master)

CD4

Dame Margret’s Son To Be A Bride (Remake)

Son Of Mr. Green Genes (Take 1)

Son Of Mr. Green Genes (Master Take)

Big Legs (Unedited Master Take)

It Must Be a Camel (Percussion Tracks)

Arabesque (Guitar OD Mix)

Transition (Full Version)

Piano Music (Section 3, OD Version)

CD5

Peaches En Regalia (1987 Digital Re-Mix)

Willie The Pimp (1987 Digital Re-Mix)

Son Of Mr. Green Genes (1987 Digital Re-Mix)

Little Umbrellas (1987 Digital Re-Mix)

The Gumbo Variations (1987 Digital Re-Mix)

It Must Be A Camel (1987 Digital Re-Mix)

The Origin Of Hot Rats

Hot Rats Vintage Promotion Ad #1

Peaches En Regalia (1969 Mono Single Master)

Hot Rats Vintage Promotion Ad #2

Little Umbrellas (1969 Mono Single Master)

Lil' Clanton Shuffle (1972 Whitney Studios Mix)

CD6

Little Umbrellas (Cucamonga Version)

Little Umbrellas (1969 Mix Outtake)

It Must Be A Camel (1969 Mix Outtake)

Son Of Mr. Green Genes (1969 Mix Outtake)

More Of The Story Of Willie The Pimp

Willie The Pimp (Vocal Tracks)

Willie The Pimp (1969 Quick Mix)

Dame Margret's Son To Be A Bride (1969 Quick Mix)

Hot Rats Vintage Promotion Ad #3

Bognor Regis (1970 Record Plant Mix)

Peaches En Regalia (1969 Rhythm Track Mix)

Son Of Mr. Green Genes (1969 Rhythm Track Mix)

Little Umbrellas (1969 Rhythm Track Mix)

Arabesque (Guitar Tracks)

Hot Rats Vintage Promotion Ad #4

HOT RATS (TRANSLUCENT HOT PINK VINYL) TRACKLISTING
Side A
1. Peaches En Regalia
2. Willie The Pimp
3. Son Of Mr. Green Genes
Side B
1. Little Umbrellas
2. The Gumbo Variations
3. It Must Be A Camel

When Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, Dickey Betts, Duane Allman, Jaimoe, and Gregg Allman finally coalesced in 1969 as The Allman Brothers Band, after stints in other bands and musical endeavors – some alone, some with each other – the group’s very first informal jam together was the stomping Muddy Waters song, “Trouble No More.” Almost immediately the six musicians knew they were on to something special. Shortly after, it also became the very first song they officially demoed together for their eponymous debut record, an album that would begin their legendary, unparalleled, and often times, turbulent journey as one of the best American rock bands to ever exist.

The band’s original 1969 demo of “Trouble No More,” which has remained unreleased for more than half a century, fittingly opens the new, aptly-titled Allman Brothers Band career retrospective, Trouble No More: 50th Anniversary Collection, releasing February 28 via Island Mercury/UMe to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of the pioneering Southern rock legends and their incredible body of work. Available as a 10LP or 5CD box set or digitally, Trouble No More—produced by Allman Brothers Band historians and aficionados Bill Levenson, John Lynskey and Kirk West —offers a massive selection of 61 Allman Brothers Band classics, live performances and rarities from across their 45-year career, and includes seven previously unreleased tracks that take you from the very beginning until the very end. The collection is bookended with a live performance of “Trouble No More” from the Allman Brothers Band’s final show at New York’s Beacon Theatre that brought the band’s legend to a close and which brings this retrospective full circle.

Trouble No More: 50th Anniversary Collection is available for preorder now. Ahead of the release, the previously unreleased demo recording of “Trouble No More” is available for streaming now and for immediate download with digital album preorder. Preorder/listen here: https://UMe.lnk.to/TroubleNoMore

The deluxe vinyl box set of Trouble No More: 50th Anniversary Collection beautifully presents the Allman Brothers Band’s legacy across 10 LPs packaged in five gatefold jackets housed in a wood veneer wrapped slipcase with gold graphics, accompanied by a 56-page book. The vinyl set will also be released as a limited edition color vinyl collection via the online music retailer uDiscover with each LP pressed on orange and red splatter colored vinyl evoking the insides of a peach. The 5CD edition will be packaged in a 12-panel softpack with a visually distinctive slipcase and includes an 88-page booklet. Both physical editions feature an insightful nearly 9000-word essay on the 50-year history of the band by John Lynskey, unreleased band photos along with newly shot photos of memorabilia from the Big House Museum in the band’s adopted hometown Macon, GA and a recap of the 13 incarnations of the band lineup. The digital version of the album will mirror the 5CD edition and be available for streaming and download, including Apple Digital Master. All recordings have been newly mastered by Jason NeSmith at Chase Park Transduction in Athens, Ga. and sound better than ever.

Arranged chronologically and thematically and representing all 13 lineups the band had, Trouble No More: 50th Anniversary Collection is grouped into five distinct eras representing the various stages of the band’s recording and performance history, divided by the group's stints on the Capricorn, Arista and Epic labels, as well as the band's own Peach imprint. Starting with The Capricorn Years 1969 – 1979 Part I, the collection kicks off at the beginning of the Allman Brothers Band’s story with their first-ever recording, the previously unreleased 1969 demo version of “Trouble No More,” and includes highlights from their self-titled debut like the swaggering one-two punch of “Don’t Want You No More” and “It’s Not My Cross To Bear,” the musical maelstrom “Whipping Post;” standouts from their second album, Idlewild South, such as the classic “Midnight Rider;” Dickey’s first songwriting effort for the band, “Revival;” and “Don’t Keep Me Wondering,” with Duane’s slide guitar work center stage. The original lineup’s legacy album, the legendary live At Filmore East, recorded in March 1971 at promoter Bill Graham’s East Village theatre, is represented here with the blues-rock shuffle of “Statesboro Blues,” a sultry take on “Stormy Monday” and the dazzling 13-minute instrumental odyssey, “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed,” where every member is in perfect harmony. As Lynskey writes in the comprehensive liners, “There is no question, however, that The Allman Brothers Band was at their best up on a stage, playing live music for an audience. The group played with unbridled energy, and without constraints. While their setlist did not vary all that much from night to night in the early days, the band’s desire to explore, create and improvise guaranteed that each show would be a different listening experience… Their marathon concerts became the stuff of legend, and that spirit was captured on At Fillmore East, the live set by which all others are measured.”

The Capricorn Years 1969 -1979, Part II collects together songs from the Allman Brothers Band’s double album, Eat A Peach, made with tracks recorded in 1971 with Duane before he tragically died in a motorcycle accident. Released in February 1972, the cuts featured on the set include “Blue Sky,” written and sung by Dickey; “Melissa,” Gregg’s tribute to his lost brother and “One Way Out,” recorded live in June ‘71, on the closing night of the Fillmore East. “Hot ‘Lanta” and “You Don’t Love Me” from a live performance at New York’s A&R Studios broadcast on WPLJ radio and “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More,” recorded at Puerto Rico’s “Mar Y Sol Festival,” in April 1972, showcase the band in a variety of live settings. Songs from their #1 selling album, Brothers and Sisters, include Dickey’s country-infused hit single, “Ramblin Man” and “Wasted Words,” which were the last two songs to feature bassist Berry Oakley who also tragically died in a motorcycle accident at the same age as Duane, 24. Part II concludes with a previously unreleased outtake of “Early Morning Blues,” a standard blues number that eventually morphed into “Jelly Jelly.”

As The Allman Brothers Band experienced one blow after another, Brothers and Sisters tore up the charts and so they soldiered on through the pain and grief and did what they did best – play. The Capricorn Years, 1969-1979, Part III/The Arista Years, 1980-1981 launches with two live performances from their historic “Summer Jam” show in July ’73 with the Grateful Dead at Watkins Glen, NY which drew more than half a million fans to the grounds of the famed raceway. “Come and Go Blues,” released on the live album, Wipe the Windows, Check The Oil, Dollar Gas, is an especially grooving number of Greggs’ while “Mountain Jam” is a previously unreleased breathtaking version that grew out of a line from Donovan’s happy folk song “First There Is A Mountain” into a 12-minute jam. The band’s record Win, Lose Or Draw, recorded in 1975 after a couple years apart following the release and subsequent tours for Gregg and Dickey’s debut solo albums and is highlighted here with the moving title track, their inspired rendition of Muddy Waters’ “Can’t Lose What You Never Had” and the rollicking instrumental, “High Falls.” As a result of fractures in the band, they disbanded after the album’s tour and remained apart for four years. Eventually, overtures were made and after an impromptu performance together made them yearn to be together again, the original members – Butch,  Dickey, Jaimoe and Gregg – decamped to the studio and recorded 1979’s Enlightened Rogues. Included here are standouts “Crazy Love,” “Can’t Take It With You,” “Pegasus” and a live version of Gregg’s autobiographical “Just Ain’t Easy.” The end of the decade would also mark the end of their time with Capricorn, as a result of the label going bankrupt, and a new label home with Clive Davis’ Arista Records, which they signed to in 1980. “Hell and High Water,” and “Angeline” from the resulting album, Reach For The Sky, released in August 1980, had glossier production and synthesizers. Sadly, Jaimoe and the group would part ways after this. “Never Knew How Much,” a gorgeous ballad that originated during the sessions for Gregg’s solo album, Laid Back, and “Leavin’” a song that may have foreshadowed what was to come from their album, Brothers Of The Road, released in August 1981, round out the chapter.

In 1989, after years apart and several solo albums, the original members of the band were approached about doing a reunion tour to promote an upcoming career box set, and Butch, Dickey, Jaimoe and Gregg all agreed. For the tour, they recruited Warren Haynes, a guitarist that Dickey had been playing with, and went out as a seven-piece. The chemistry was palpable and the shows so well received that the band, now signed to Epic, recorded Seven Turns, their first album together in nearly a decade. The Epic Years, 1989-2000 includes the album’s title track, considered one of Dickey’s best songs and “Good Clean Fun,” which received solid airplay on MTV. The album was a resounding statement that The Allman Brothers Band were back. Not wanting to waste time, they quickly set to work on 1991’s Shades Of Two Worlds which saw Dickey take a dominate role as a songwriter, as heard on “Nobody Knows,” and Warren emerge as an influential member of the group, co-writing five songs with either Dickey or Gregg, including “End Of The Line,” which sounded like vintage Allman Brothers. Some of the many other highlights from this era include “Low Dirty Mean,” from the 1992 live album, Play All Night: Live At The Beacon Theater, a rare live performance of Robert Johnson’s “Come On Into My Kitchen,” and songs from 1994’s Where It All Begins, including the stellar title track and the live fan-favorite “Soulshine,” which displayed Warren’s singer/songwriter talents. It concludes with the unreleased “I’m Not Crying,” a composition written by Jack Pearson who replaced Warren after he left to focus on his band Gov’t Mule.

The final chapter, The Peach Years, 2000-2014, spans a variety of lineup changes, most notably the departure of original member Dickey Betts and the introduction of guitarist Derek Trucks, the nephew of Butch Trucks. The younger Trucks delivers an emotionally-charged solo alongside Dickey’s recent replacement, Jimmy Herring, on the previously unreleased, somber-and raw, “Loan Me A Dime,” recorded on August 26, 2000, the day bassist Allen Woody passed away. Gregg sounds especially emotional on the powerful performance. Woody’s death shook the band but it was out of this tragedy that Warren would make his way back to his brothers. Included here is a spectacular, never-released live performance from the band’s 2001 Beacon run of “Desdemona,” a new song that Warren and Gregg wrote together. The tune, along with the shimmering “The High Cost Of Low Living” and the poignant “Old Before My Time,” would be featured on The Allman Brothers Band’s final album, Hittin’ The Note, released in 2003, some of their best work in years. Two unreleased gems from the band’s 2005 annual stand at the Beacon Theatre include an extremely rare version of “Blue Sky” with Gregg handling the lead vocals and Derek’s and Warren’s solos augmented by lively piano work from longtime former bandmate Chuck Leavell, who was sitting in for the March 21 show; and Warren and Derek’s wonderful interpretation of Duane’s instrumental, “Little Martha,” from that same night. Appropriately the collection culminates with a live version of “Trouble No More,” the first song The Allman Brothers Band ever played together and the last song of their career. As Lynskey writes, “In those four minutes, 45 years came pouring out of the speakers; 45 years of superior blues/rock music, created by incomparable musicians. The final notes echoed through the theatre early in the morning of October 29, 43 years to the day that Duane Allman died.”

Trouble No More: 50th Anniversary Collection eloquently demonstrates how The Allman Brothers Band weathered extreme adversity to pursue its singular musical mission and singlehandedly spawned the Southern rock genre while continually managing to reinvent themselves in the face of loss and tragedy and sell millions of records along the way. This new collection is a compelling summary of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer’s timelessly brilliant and influential contributions to American music.

On March 10, for one night only at Madison Square Garden in New York City, The Brothers - Jaimoe, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Oteil Burbridge, Marc Quinones-joined by Duane Trucks, Reese Wynans and special guest Chuck Leavell will celebrate 50 years of the music of The Allman Brothers Band. This one-time concert event, produced by Live Nation, will be a celebration of The Allman Brothers Band's illustrious career. It notably marks the first time in more than five years that these legendary players will be together on stage to perform their iconic hits, and the first time since the passing of founding members Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks. It will undoubtedly be emotionally charged, and an unforgettable night not to be missed. The show sold out immediately upon going on sale.

TROUBLE NO MORE: 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION

10LP TRACK LIST

The Capricorn Years 1969 – 1979 Part I
Disc 1
1. Trouble No More (Demo)* (Side A)
2. Don’t Want You No More (Side A)
3. It’ Not My Cross To Bear (Side A)
4. Dreams (Side A)
5. Whipping Post (Side B)
6. I’m Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town (Live at Ludlow Garage) (Side B)
7. Midnight Rider (Side B)
8. Revival (Side B)

Disc 2
1. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Side A)
2. Hoochie Coochie Man (Side A)
3. Please Call Home (Side A)
4. Statesboro Blues (Live at Fillmore East) (Side A)
5. Stormy Monday (Live at Fillmore East) (Side B)
6. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (Live at Fillmore East) (Side B)

The Capricorn Years 1969 – 1979 Part II
Disc 3
1. One Way Out (Live at Fillmore East) (Side A)
2. You Don't Love Me / Soul Serenade (Live at A&R Studios) (Side A)
3. Hot ‘Lanta (Live at A&R Studios) (Side B)
4. Stand Back (Side B)
5. Melissa (Side B)
6. Blue Sky (Side B)

Disc 4
1. Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More (Live at Mar y Sol) (Side A)
2. Wasted Words (Side A)
3. Ramblin’ Man (Side A)
4. Southbound (Side A)
5. Jessica (Side B)
6. Early Morning Blues (Outtake) (Side B)

The Capricorn Years 1969 – 1979 Part III / The Arista Years 1980 – 1981
Disc 5
1. Come And Go Blues (Live at Watkins Glen) (Side A)
2. Mountain Jam (Live at Watkins Glen)* (Side A)
3. Can’t Lose What You Never Had (Side A)
4. Win, Lose Or Draw (Side B)
5. High Falls (Side B)

Disc 6
1. Crazy Love (Side A)
2. Can’t Take It With You (Side A)
3. Pegasus (Side A)
4. Just Ain’t Easy (Live at Merriweather Post Pavilion) (Side B)
5. Hell & High Water (Side B)
6. Angeline (Side B)
7. Leavin’ (Side B)
8. Never Knew How Much (I Needed You) (Side B)

The Epic Years 1990 – 2000
Disc 7
1. Good Clean Fun (Side A)
2. Seven Turns (Side A)
3. Gamblers Roll (Side A)
4. End Of The Line (Side A)
5. Nobody Knows (Side B)
6. Low Down Dirty Mean (Live at the Beacon Theatre) (Side B)

Disc 8
1. Come On Into My Kitchen (Live at Radio & Records Convention) (Side A)
2. Sailin’ ‘Cross The Devil’s Sea (Side A)
3. Back Where It All Begins (Side A)
4. Soulshine (Side B)
5. No One To Run With (Side B)
6. I’m Not Crying (Live at the Beacon Theatre)* (Side B)

The Peach Years 2000 – 2014
Disc 9
1. Loan Me A Dime (Live at the New World Music Theatre)* (Side A)
2. Desdemona (Live at the Beacon Theatre)* (Side A)
3. High Cost Of Low Living (Side B)
4. Old Before My Time (Side B)

Disc 10
1. Blue Sky (Live at the Beacon Theatre)* (Side A)
2. Little Martha (Live at the Beacon Theatre)* (Side A)
3. Black Hearted Woman (Live at the Beacon Theatre) (Side A)
4. The Sky Is Crying (Live at the Beacon Theatre) (Side B)
5. “Farewell” speeches (Live at the Beacon Theatre) (Side B)
6. Trouble No More (Live at the Beacon Theatre) (Side B)

5CD/DIGITAL TRACK LIST

The Capricorn Years 1969 – 1979 Part I / CD1

Trouble No More (Demo)*

Don’t Want You No More

It’ Not My Cross To Bear

Dreams

Whipping Post

I’m Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town (Live at Ludlow Garage)

Midnight Rider

Revival

Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’

Hoochie Coochie Man

Please Call Home

Statesboro Blues (Live at Fillmore East)

Stormy Monday (Live at Fillmore East)

In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (Live at Fillmore East)

The Capricorn Years 1969 – 1979 Part II / CD2

One Way Out (Live at Fillmore East)

You Don’t Love Me / Soul Serenade (Live at A&R Studios)

Hot ‘Lanta (Live at A&R Studios)

Stand Back

Melissa

Blue Sky

Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More (Live at Mar y Sol)

Wasted Words

Ramblin’ Man

Southbound

Jessica

Early Morning Blues (Outtake)

The Capricorn Years 1969 – 1979 Part III / The Arista Years 1980 – 1981 / CD3

Come And Go Blues (Live at Watkins Glen)

Mountain Jam (Live at Watkins Glen)*

Can’t Lose What You Never Had

Win, Lose Or Draw

High Falls

Crazy Love

Can’t Take It With You

Pegasus

Just Ain’t Easy (Live at Merriweather Post Pavilion)

Hell & High Water

Angeline

Leavin’

Never Knew How Much (I Needed You)

The Epic Years 1990 – 2000 / CD4

Good Clean Fun

Seven Turns

Gambler’s Roll

End Of The Line

Nobody Knows

Low Down Dirty Mean (Live at the Beacon Theatre)

Come On Into My Kitchen (Live at Radio & Records Convention)

Sailin’ ‘Cross The Devil’s Sea

Back Where It All Begins

Soulshine

No One To Run With

I’m Not Crying (Live at the Beacon Theatre)*

The Peach Years 2000 – 2014 / CD5

Loan Me A Dime (Live at World Music Theatre)*

Desdemona (Live at the Beacon Theatre)*

High Cost Of Low Living

Old Before My Time

Blue Sky (Live at the Beacon Theatre)*

Little Martha (Live at the Beacon Theatre)*

Black Hearted Woman (Live at the Beacon Theatre)

The Sky Is Crying (Live at the Beacon Theatre)

“Farewell” speeches (Live at the Beacon Theatre)

Trouble No More (Live at the Beacon Theatre)

* Previously unreleased

Chris Cornell, the 17-track self-titled 2LP, was recognized by the Recording Academy and the wider industry with a GRAMMY® Award for Best Recording Packaging at the 2020 ceremonies.  This award is the second GRAMMY® Award tied to this release, the first being in 2019 for Best Rock Performance for the previously unreleased track, “When Bad Does Good.”

Chris Cornell commemorates his life and legacy not only as a singer, but as a poet and one of the most prolific writers and greatest voices of the modern rock era. Vicky Cornell wanted to create a special album for the fans that would include a selection of Chris’ expansive career, showcasing the breadth of his work and  contribution to music history with selections culled from the deep catalogs of his three influential bands— Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog and Audioslave— as well as songs from his solo career. She turned to producer Brendan O’Brien, who was a trusted partner to Cornell over the years, and Jeff Ament who created the packaging for Chris Cornell, now a 2020 GRAMMY® winner.

"I am grateful to Jeff Ament and everyone who helped create such a beautiful work of art from beginning to end, in loving memory and in tribute to Chris - he would be so proud!” said Vicky Cornell. “And a huge thanks to all the fans who’s love and support have carried Chris’s legacy forward. Our children and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for keeping his memory alive. Chris Cornell Forever!”

“When Bad Does Good,” was produced, recorded, and mixed by Cornell, and was found in his personal recordings archive. The track was a favorite of his and it wasn’t until friend Josh Brolin reminded Vicky of the unreleased song that she decided to share it with his fans. Cornell won Best Rock Performance posthumously at the 61st GRAMMY Awards for "When Bad Does Good." 

Watch Chris’s 12-year-old son, Christopher pay tribute to his dad in the official video for “When Bad Does Good,” here 

Chris Cornell is available as the GRAMMY® Award Winning 2LP, in addition to the Deluxe Edition 4CD, 1 CD and Digital versions, plus the limited-edition color vinyl Super Deluxe LP box set, re-released in 2019 due to overwhelming demand for the 2018 pressing of the original collection. The box set has been re-released by Cornell’s wife, Vicky Cornell on behalf of The Chris Cornell Estate through UMe, and is available exclusively via the Chris Cornell official store. 

The Super Deluxe 4CD, 1DVD, and 180-gram 7LP limited-edition color vinyl box set holds 88 tracks — 64 songs plus 24 videos. Also included in the Super Deluxe box are a 66-page hardcover photo book wrapped in linen with a red foil signature cover, three artist lithos, three photochromatic lithos inspired by Cornell’s lyrical fascination about the sun (images are brought to life by holding under direct sunlight), a turntable mat, a microfiber vinyl cleaning cloth, and a 36x48-inch wall poster.

CHRIS CORNELL
LP ONE
A1. Loud Love [Soundgarden]
A2. Outshined [Soundgarden]
A3. Hunger Strike [Temple of the Dog]
A4. Seasons

B1. Black Hole Sun [Soundgarden]
B2. Can’t Change Me
B3. Like A Stone [Audioslave]
B4. Be Yourself [Audioslave]

LP TWO
C1. You Know My Name
C2. Billie Jean
C3. Long Gone (Rock Version)
C4. Call Me A Dog (Live Acoustic)
C5. Been Away Too Long [Soundgarden]

D1. Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart
D2. Nothing Compares 2 U (Live at Sirius XM)**
D3. The PromiseD4.When Bad Does Good**

** Denotes previously unreleased material

Order Chris Cornell here
See all track listings here125

CHUCK BERRY: BROWN EYED HANDSOME MAN is a collection of performances by the greatest rock icons in history performing favorite songs by their self-proclaimed hero Chuck Berry. A historic record of the decades-long and continuing impact of the father of rock-‘n’-roll, the program presents — for the first and possibly only time ever — full performances from the legends of rock music honoring the man they agree started it all. Artists include The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, Jeff Lynne and more, filmed at the heights of their own careers, performing the work of Chuck Berry. Berry himself is also featured in a number of solos and duets. Narrated by Danny Glover, CHUCK BERRY: BROWN EYED HANDSOME MAN is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning Saturday, February 29, 2020 (check local listings).

A celebration of Berry’s inimitable legacy and influence on rock ‘n’ roll, the program opens with a timeless performance of Berry and Keith Richards trading guitar licks on “Carol” from the legendary concert film Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll, and spans more than four decades of riveting performances through a mix of classic, rare and not widely available footage of some of the biggest artists in the world paying tribute to Berry. There’s The Beatles at their first-ever concert in the U.S. performing “Roll Over Beethoven” to the deafening masses at Washington, D.C.’s Washington Coliseum, The Rolling Stones that same year putting their spin on “Around and Around” in front of a frenzied crowd in the U.K., Jimi Hendrix taking on “Johnny B. Goode” in Berkeley, California in 1970, just a few months before he passed, and Berry himself joining Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band for a once-in-a-lifetime performance of that signature song at the Concert For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Paul McCartney pays homage to one of his biggest influences with an intimate and inspired 1999 performance of “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” in the 250 capacity Cavern Club where The Beatles were born while Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers deliver a rollicking version of “Carol” from 2011 and his Traveling Wilbury’s bandmate Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra wow with their elaborate reworking of “Roll Over Beethoven” from their 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction performance which opens with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony before launching into Berry’s hit song.

Testament to their love and respect for Berry, all footage use has been granted by the artist or the artist’s estate and some have been provided from their personal archives. Much of the footage has been digitally enhanced from the original source to present it in the best possibly quality for the first time.

“In 50 years of working with Chuck Berry, I saw him perform hundreds of times and there simply wasn’t anyone like him. He was such a dynamic showman and loved performing for his fans,” said Dick Alen, Berry’s longtime agent. “This program does a terrific job of showcasing him live in concert throughout a variety of eras of his career and it’s a wonderful tribute to see these fellow legends performing his songs. Seeing it all together really drives home how many artists he influenced and that rock and roll wouldn’t have been what it was if it wasn’t for Chuck Berry.”

CHUCK BERRY: BROWN EYED HANDSOME MAN includes these performances:

“Carol” – Chuck Berry and Keith Richards

“Maybellene” – Chuck Berry

“Wee Wee Hours” – Chuck Berry 

“You Can’t Catch Me” – Chuck Berry 

“Around and Around” – The Rolling Stones

“Roll Over Beethoven”– The Beatles

“Johnny B. Goode” – Jimi Hendrix

“Back in the USA” – Chuck Berry and Linda Ronstadt

“Nadine”  – Chuck Berry

“Sweet Little Sixteen” – Chuck Berry with Billy Kingsley & Rockin’ Horse

 “Johnny B. Goode” – Chuck Berry and Bruce Springsteen

“Roll Over Beethoven” – Jeff Lynne/Electric Light Orchestra 

“Carol” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“Brown Eyed Handsome Man” – Paul McCartney

“Let It Rock” – Chuck Berry with Billy Kingsley & Rockin’ Horse

“Memphis” – Chuck Berry with Billy Kingsley & Rockin’ Horse

PBS special programming invites viewers to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. Viewer contributions are an important source of funding, making PBS programs possible. PBS and public television stations offer all Americans from every walk of life the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content.

The Marley family, UMe and Island Records have begun to roll out their yearlong MARLEY75 commemorative plans in celebration of the legendary cultural icon, Bob Marley's 75th birthday and 40th anniversary of the timeless classic "Redemption Song."

In honor of Black History Month, now underway, and to mark the beginning of all MARLEY75 celebrations in 2020, the official music video for "Redemption Song" premieres today on Bob Marley's YouTube channel. Created by French artists Octave Marsal & Theo De Gueltzl, the breathtaking animation, featuring 2,747 original drawings, uses powerful symbols to amplify the magnitude of the song's timeless lyrics and importance in today's world. The video highlights Bob's contribution to the empowerment of black civilization, as well as his manifestation of hope and recovery for all mankind.

Inspired by Bob’s homeland of Jamaica, as well as insights received from his family, the artistic approach was to illustrate the imaginary world of Bob Marley in a way that highly stimulates self-reflection. "From the history of Slavery and Jamaica, Rastafarian culture, legacy of prophets (Haile Selassie the 1st, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X), as well as Bob's personal life, we take the audience on a journey through allegories and representations." Marsal and De Gueltzl reveal. The opening sequence invites the viewer into Bob's guitar, a visual metaphor to Bob's mind, and our own, in a quest for Redemption. Also, drawing from Rastafarian philosophy, another vital element of the video's narrative is about valuing nature, our Earth and the Mother Land.

Watch the powerful visual for 'Redemption Song' HERE

The MARLEY75 celebrations will encompass all things music, fashion, art, photography, technology, sport and film, providing fans unprecedented access to archives from the legendary artist's estate in new, thoughtful and innovative ways. Together with YouTube, new and exciting content is set to be released over the course of the year.

The inaugural MARLEY75 music festivities kick off this Spring, the first of many celebrations to come. Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley’s Bob Marley Celebration will headline The BeachLife Festival. This special, collaborative appearance will feature Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley performing an extensive catalog of Bob Marley tunes in celebration of their father’s 75th birthday at the three-day immersive music, art, and culinary oceanside event.

In this digital era, Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media, and MARLEY75 will serve to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year.

Bob Marley's music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever in 2020. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity and care is taken to honor Bob's legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures.

One-quarter of all the Reggae listened to in the United States, is Bob Marley. Bob Marley's Legend is the nineteenth-biggest selling album of all time and the fifth-biggest selling Greatest Hits package in United States history.

Throughout history, no artist has dominated the world of music quite like Bob Marley. A musical, political and spiritual icon of mythical proportions, both poet and prophet, Marley was the first Jamaican artist to give voice to the struggles of his people and the Rastafarian culture, and the first to gain worldwide fame. October 2020 will see the 40th anniversary of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song." Released in October 1980 and taken from his ninth album Uprising (Island Records), the song was inspired by a speech from Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey's "The Work That Has Been Done" and is considered by many as one of the greatest songs ever written in popular culture. In a time when political unrest and oppression feels more prevalent than ever, "Redemption Song" maintains a poignancy and power and acts as a long-standing testament to Bob Marley's brilliance and voice for the people. Bob Marley's music catalog has amassed billions of streams and sold millions of albums worldwide, while his hits compilation, Legend, remains the world's best-selling reggae album and longest-charting album in the history of Billboard's Catalog Albums chart.

Tune in and subscribe to the Official Bob Marley YouTube channel here for more upcoming content celebrating Bob's legacy and contribution to the world.

Additional information on MARLEY75 events will be revealed soon.

Jimi Hendrix's immortal 1970 live album, Band of Gypsys, is one of his most influential releases, with the charismatic guitar icon testing the bounds of his creative approach to produce some of the most ambitious music of his career. Capitol/UMe will honor this landmark record on March 27, almost exactly 50 years from its original release, with special 50th anniversary vinyl editions of Band of Gypsys that recapture the album’s boundary-breaking spirit.

This new, all analog edition of Band Of Gypsys has been mastered from the original analog stereo tapes by longtime Hendrix engineer Eddie Kramer and will be pressed on 180-gram audiophile black vinyl by Quality Record Pressings, along with a limited color pressing on 180-gram translucent cream, red, yellow and green swirl vinyl. The unique color vinyl edition will be available exclusively through AuthenticHendrix.com. All editions of the Band of Gypsys 50th anniversary LP will be packaged with an eight-page booklet filled with rare images from the concerts and an essay by John McDermott. This special edition will feature a 24" x 36" replica of Capitol Records' original promotional Band of Gypsys poster. Pre-order Band Of Gypsys now: https://UMe.lnk.to/BandOfGypsysVinylPR 

“This is more than the commemoration of an anniversary,” said Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, “that, of course, is something momentous, but it is also the celebration of a cathartic event in Jimi’s life...a sort of changing of the guards. He demonstrated that there was no limit to his musical landscape. It was broad and beautiful, and like the leader of a true band of gypsies, Jimi could go anywhere on the spectrum of genres and be at home there musically!  This is our way of celebrating that part of Jimi’s journey.”

As the 1960s drew to a close, Hendrix was at the apex of his fame and influence. His first three albums with The Jimi Hendrix Experience—Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love and Electric Ladyland—had established him as both a musical visionary and an international superstar. By the end of the decade, though, Hendrix was looking for new musical challenges and feeling the need to work with new collaborators. Towards that end, he assembled the Band of Gypsys lineup, with bassist Billy Cox, an old friend from Hendrix’s early days playing in R&B combos, and drummer Buddy Miles, already well known for his work with the Electric Flag and the Buddy Miles Express. The resulting album is a revolutionary fusion of blues, funk and  rock that stands as a unique chapter in Hendrix's seminal body of work.

Beyond Hendrix’s meteoric growth as a musician and composer, the guitarist was hamstrung by a   lawsuit whose roots drew back to 1965 when Hendrix was an unknown sideman and occasional studio musician. Hendrix contributed guitar to a series of recordings for the R&B group Curtis Knight & the Squires. Despite having already signed an exclusive recording contract the previous July with Sue Records, Hendrix inexplicably signed a one-page artist agreement with PPX Industries which bound his services not just for the Knight sessions but for a period of three years. Two 45rpm singles from these studio recordings were licensed by PPX Industries in early 1966 to RSVP Records, a small, New York based independent label. Neither record made any commercial impact and Hendrix and Knight quickly went their separate ways. These recordings and the one-page agreement with PPX [for which Hendrix received one dollar] were still in effect after he achieved international recognition. In direct competition against Hendrix albums such as Are You Experienced, Get That Feeling, a collection of recordings from the sessions Hendrix had recorded with Curtis Knight was released. Following litigation, in 1968 a settlement required Hendrix to deliver an album of original material to Capitol Records for distribution. 

Recalls Billy Cox, “There had been a lawsuit against him and the only way out of that was to give them something. Jimi came to me and explained what had happened. Then it was decided to give them an album. I said let’s go for it. At that time Mitch was in England, but Buddy would frequent the studios with us and he decided the same thing; lets help our friend in need. Ultimately we became the Band of Gypsys.” Band of Gypsys was recorded by legendary remote recording engineer Wally Heider during two historic performances at New York's Fillmore East on New Year's Day 1970. “Who Knows” and “Machine Gun” were drawn from the 1/1/70 first show while the remaining four songs which make up the album’s second side were recorded during the 1/1/70 last show. 

The album encompasses six then-unreleased songs, with the searing original blues “Machine Gun”—an anti-war epic performed by two musicians in Hendrix and Cox who had actually served in the US Army coupled with such powerful numbers as "Message to Love," "Power of Soul," each documenting Hendrix's decisive shift in musical direction, laying the groundwork for many of the funk rock experiments that would follow in the decades to come. In their original 1970 review of the record, Rolling Stone declared, “This album is Hendrix the musician. With just bass and drum support he is able to transfuse and transfix on the strength of his guitar-work alone.” 50 years on, Band of Gypsys continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians while its significance has only grown critically. In their retrospective reviews of the album, Ultimate Classic Rock enthused, “no testimonial can do justice to Hendrix’s revelatory fretwork, especially on ‘Machine Gun,’ which continues to define the sonic possibilities of the electric guitar” while All Music hailed it as “not only an important part of the Hendrix legacy, but one of the greatest live albums ever.” 

Originally released in America on March 25, 1970, Band of Gypsys peaked at #5 during a 61-week run on the Billboard album chart. At the time of his death in September 1970, it was Hendrix's bestselling U.S. album since Are You Experienced. The last album that Hendrix released during his lifetime, Band of Gypsys offers a tantalizing glimpse at what might have been. 

JIMI HENDRIX – BAND OF GYPSYS 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION TRACK LISTING

SIDE A
1) Who Knows
2) Machine Gun
Recorded January 1, 1970 Early Show

SIDE B
1) Changes
2) Power To Love
3) Message To Love
4) We Gotta Live Together
 Recorded January 1, 1970 Late Show

Little Steven, aka Steven Van Zandt, is commemorating today’s 30th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s historic release from a South African prison after 27 years in captivity with the announcement that his 1985 landmark protest album, Sun City, by Artists United Against Apartheid, the extraordinary supergroup brought together by Van Zandt, producer Arthur Baker and journalist Danny Schechter to fight racial injustice in South Africa, will be released on vinyl for the first time since its initial release 35 years ago. The long-out-of-print LP joins five additional classic albums from Van Zandt making all of Little Steven’s records from his early career once again available on vinyl.

The upcoming releases, previously only available in last year’s limited edition box set, RockNRoll Rebel – The Early Work, and now available individually, have all been remastered and include all of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s solo records between 1982 and 1999: Men Without Women (1982), Voice Of America (1983), Sun City (1985) Freedom – No Compromise (1987), Revolution (1989) and Born Again Savage (1999). Releasing March 13 via Wicked Cool/UMe, all albums will be available on both 180-gram black vinyl and as a special, limited edition version on 180-gram color swirl vinyl mirroring the psychedelic platters released in the box set. The color vinyl variants can be purchased exclusive at uDiscover. Pre-order your copy now: https://UMe.lnk.to/LSVZCareerVinyl

Notably, Revolution will be making its individual US vinyl debut, having previously only seen vinyl release in Europe, while the 2LP Born Again Savage will be available individually on vinyl for the first time ever.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of the most fervent and forceful political statements to emerge from Eighties pop music,” Sun City, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, remains an undisputed milestone in music and cultural history. The project began with “Sun City,” a song Van Zandt wrote to expose and oppose South Africa’s apartheid system which included the forced relocation of its black population who were also stripped of their right to vote. The song, featuring the memorable chorus of “I ain’t gonna play Sun City,” was a declaration and boycott from a stunningly diverse group of artists that they would refuse to perform at Sun City, a resort located within the Bantustan of Bophuthatswana, one of many internationally unrecognized states created by the South African government to forcibly relocate its black population. To record the track, Van Zandt, co-producer Arthur Baker and journalist Danny Schechter brought together Artists United Against Apartheid – a still breathtaking cadre of international superstars that included Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Ringo Starr, Zak Starkey, Darlene Love, Run DMC, U2, George Clinton, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Rubén Blades, Peter Gabriel, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Bobby Womack, Afrika Bambaataa, Kurtis Blow, DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Melle Mel, The Fat Boys, Herbie Hancock, Jackson Browne, Peter Wolf, Bonnie Raitt, Hall & Oates, Jimmy Cliff, Big Youth, Peter Garrett, Ron Carter, Ray Barretto, Gil Scott-Heron, Nona Hendryx, Pat Benatar, Clarence Clemons, Stiv Bators, Doug Wimbish, and Joey Ramone, to name but a few. Named as the top single of 1985 by The Village Voice’s prestigious “Pazz & Jop” critics poll, “Sun City” was followed that same year by a full-length album that saw many of those same artists joining together for a number of additional exclusive tracks, including “Silver and Gold” (performed by Bono with Keith Richards and Ron Wood), “The Struggle Continues” (featuring Miles Davis, Stanley Jordan, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Okosuns, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and Richard Scher), and "Let Me See Your I.D." (featuring Gil Scott-Heron, Miles Davis, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Peter Wolf, Sonny Okosuns, Malopoets, Duke Bootee, Ray Barretto, and Peter Garrett).

Sun City proved a critically acclaimed and globally important work for both its powerful social message – allowing Van Zandt, Baker, and others involved in the project to donate more than a half million dollars to causes supporting the anti-apartheid struggle – as well as its innovative, world-spanning musical approach, ultimately earning inclusion in Rolling Stone’s “100 Best Albums of the Eighties,” which noted “Sun City threw an effective political punch: Not only did it discourage musicians from playing the South African resort city, but it also helped spread the word about new sounds like rap.” Van Zandt is donating all artist and publishing royalties from Sun City to the Rock and Roll Forever Foundation for the TeachRock.org music history curriculum.

“It took courage for artists to make the leap from social concerns to political action for a cause that was virtually unknown at the time,” said Van Zandt. “Victories that clear cut are rare in the sphere of international liberation politics. Once in a lifetime if you’re lucky.”

The release of Little Steven’s early catalog comes on the heels of the expansive box set, RockNRoll Rebel – The Early Work, released in December. Limited to just 1,000 copies, the comprehensive collection includes all six aforementioned albums across seven colored vinyl LPs housed in a bespoke slipcase. The multi-format set also boasts four CDs of rarities culled from Van Zandt’s personal vault, allowing an in-depth look at his early solo career with 51 tracks spanning previously unreleased demos, B-sides, rehearsals, outtakes, radio spots, non-album singles, classic concert performances, and a number of never-before-heard studio gems, complete with corresponding liner notes from Van Zandt about each of the bonus tracks.

“It’s been a blast going through the archives and finding all these hidden gems,” says Van Zandt. “In addition to demos in various stages of completion, there are entire songs I’d completely forgotten about, and we found some really early things pre-Jukes like Southside Johnny and the Kid (The Kid being me!). I’m excited to have my stuff back on vinyl for the first time in decades!”

All six albums included in RockNRoll Rebel – The Early Work are also now available digitally as individual Deluxe Editions, expanded with the same rare and unreleased material from the era that make up the four discs of rarities in the physical collection. The Early Work, a special digital-only collection compiling 10 previously unreleased tracks of early rehearsals and live performances with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes spanning 1973-77 and capped off with a 1995 live performance of The Temptations’ “I Wish It Would Rain,” is also now available. Also now available digitally is the rare 1985 three-song 12” EP, Let Me See Your I.D., featuring the Extended Mix, Street Mix and Beat and Scratch Mix of the landmark “Sun City” single. All albums can be streamed/downloaded below:

MEN WITHOUT WOMEN

VOICE OF AMERICA

FREEDOM NO COMPROMISE

REVOLUTION

BORN AGAIN SAVAGE

SUN CITY

THE EARLY WORK

LET ME SEE YOUR I.D.

In addition, a limited edition standalone 144-page, 12” x 12” companion book is in the works featuring Van Zandt’s in-depth liner notes for RockNRoll Rebel, alongside memories and stories about the making of each album, lyrics to every song, and hundreds of never-before-seen photos. Pre-orders will be available soon.

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul recently wrapped up two years of near constant touring – totaling 187 shows across North America, Europe, and Australia – with an epic performance at New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre, bringing the back-to-back Soulfire/Summer Of Sorcery world tours to an end with a suitably triumphant concert filmed for future release.

In the mid-1980s as Johnny Cash found himself between labels, Mercury Records snatched up the country legend for what would end up being a prolific string of six albums in five years. The records, released from 1986 to 1991, were a diverse collection that included a notable reunion with fellow Sun Records alumni Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, star-studded collaborations with Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney, Glen Campbell, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams Jr. and others, inspired takes on songs from Elvis Costello, Guy Clark and Harry Chapin, the Man in Black revisiting his classic hits, and some of the finest songs ever written by Cash. Despite the quality of material, Cash’s stint with Mercury has never been revisited—until now.

On April 24, Cash's often overlooked and underappreciated chapter of his body of work will be showcased with a suite of releases via Mercury/UMe including a comprehensive new box set, The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991, and a new greatest hits album, Easy Rider: The Best Of The Mercury Recordings, a newly assembled collection that compiles 24 highlights selected from Cash's Mercury catalog. Easy Rider will be released as a single CD, double LP and digital download.

Pre-order The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991:  https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/CompleteMercuryAlbums

Pre-order Easy Rider: The Best Of The Mercury Recordings: https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/EasyRiderBestOf

The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991, available on 7CD or 7LP on 180-gram vinyl, collects all six albums – Class of '55: Memphis Rock & Roll Homecoming (1986), Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town (1987), Water from the Wells of Home (1988), Classic Cash: Hall of Fame Series (1988), Boom Chicka Boom (1990) and The Mystery of Life (1991), and –  that Cash recorded during his Mercury tenure and presents them together for the first time in a handsome slipcase emblazoned with the distinctive bold Cash logo. All of the albums have been remastered from the original Mercury master tapes by noted engineer Kevin Reeves at UMG Studios Nashville. The set was assembled by Grammy Award-winning producer Bill Levenson and features extensive new liner notes by veteran music journalist Scott Schinder.

Also on April 24, all of the albums will be released individually on 180-gram black vinyl, with Classic Cash: Hall Of Fame Series as a two-LP set. This marks the first time that Cash's Mercury albums have been reissued.

The CD version of The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991 is augmented with several rare or previously unreleased tracks and an additional 20-track disc of spare early mixes aptly titled Classic Cash: Hall Of Fame Series (Early Mixes), mastered from tapes newly discovered in the Mercury vaults. Although these never-before-heard versions are not included in the vinyl box, they're being released on April 18 as a Record Store Day exclusive, as a stand-alone limited edition double LP.

While the mid ‘80s to early ‘90s saw Cash, who was still touring heavily, a bit creatively adrift, he never stopped making distinctive, personally charged music. Signing with Mercury after ending his almost 30-year relationship with Columbia, Cash’s output for Mercury demonstrated that his musical gifts remained as sharp as ever.

Cash’s first album for Mercury, the all-star session, Class of '55: Memphis Rock & Roll Homecoming, reunited him with fellow Sun Records alumni Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins. With veteran Memphis producer Chips Moman behind the board, the four singers tackle a mix of old and new material, including the Cash-led "I Will Rock and Roll with You" and the Presley tribute, "We Remember the King." Another Elvis ode, John Fogerty's "Big Train from Memphis," features a vocal chorus that includes Fogerty, June Carter Cash, Rick Nelson, Dave Edmunds, Dan Penn and the Judds.

Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town reteamed Cash with producer "Cowboy" Jack Clement, who as Sun Records' house engineer had overseen many of Cash's '50s sessions and written some of his early hits. The album’s studio team includes wife June Carter Cash and her singing siblings Anita and Helen and daughter Carlene Carter, Cash’s then son-in-law Marty Stuart, and Waylon Jennings, who lends his voice to the warmly nostalgic "The Night Hank Williams Came to Town." Other highlights include rousing readings of Elvis Costello's "The Big Light" and James Talley's "W. Lee O'Daniel (and the Light Crust Dough Boys)."

With Clement producing again, the star-studded Water from the Wells of Home features guest appearances by Cash’s wife June Carter Cash and daughter Rosanne Cash, along with Glen Campbell, Jessi Colter, the Everly Brothers, Tom T. Hall, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney and Hank Williams Jr. on an eclectic set of material including "That Old Wheel," a duet with Williams that became Cash's highest-charting single in over a decade.

Classic Cash: Hall of Fame Series finds Cash revisiting such vintage classics as "I Walk the Line," "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Get Rhythm," "I Still Miss Someone" and "Sunday Morning Coming Down" with considerable gusto.

With veteran Nashville musician Bob Moore producing, Boom Chicka Boom —named in honor of the trademark rhythm that Cash pioneered in the '50s—is a straightforward vehicle for Cash's talent, vision and humor. Highlights include the surreal Cash composition "A Backstage Pass," a remake of Harry Chapin’s "Cat's in the Cradle" and the poignant "Hidden Shame," which Elvis Costello wrote for Cash. The CD of Boom Chicka Boom includes seven bonus tracks not on the original album, including several b-sides and early versions and the unreleased gem "I Draw The Line."

The Mystery of Life, again produced by Clement, emphasized Cash’s own songwriting, e.g. "The Greatest Cowboy of Them All" and "I'm An Easy Rider," while also dipping into the songbooks of Tom T. Hall and John Prine. The CD version of The Mystery of Life also includes Cash's historic collaboration with U2, "The Wanderer," which appears as an extended version previously released only on the soundtrack album of director Wim Wenders’ film “Faraway, So Close.” The song also closes out the best of collection.

The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991 and Easy Rider: The Best Of The Mercury Recording represent an overdue deep dive into Johnny Cash's Mercury catalog, revealing its importance as the bridge between his better-known work for other labels. As mentioned by Schinder in the box set’s liner notes, these recordings “stand as a notable transitional body of work, and an illuminating prelude to the full-blown creative resurgence that Cash would experience in the 1990s.”

THE COMPLETE MERCURY ALBUMS 1986-1991
CD TRACK LISTING

CD1: CARL PERKINS / JERRY LEE LEWIS / ROY ORBISON / JOHNNY CASH – CLASS OF ’55: MEMPHIS ROCK & ROLL HOMECOMING (1986)

1. Birth Of Rock And Roll
2. Sixteen Candles
3. Class Of '55
4. Waymore’s Blues
5. We Remember The King
6. Coming Home
7. Rock And Roll (Fais-Do-Do)
8. Keep My Motor Running
9. I Will Rock And Roll With You
10. Big Train (From Memphis)

CD2: JOHNNY CASH IS COMING TO TOWN (1987)

1. The Big Light
2. The Ballad Of Barbara
3. I'd Rather Have You
4. Let Him Roll
5. The Night Hank Williams Came To Town
6. Sixteen Tons
7. Letters From Home
8. W. Lee O'Daniel (And The Light Crust Dough Boys)
9. Heavy Metal (Don't Mean Rock And Roll To Me)
10. My Ship Will Sail

CD3: WATER FROM THE WELLS OF HOME (1988)

1. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (With Roseanne Cash & The Everly Brothers)
2. As Long As I Live (With Emmylou Harris)
3. Where Did We Go Right (With June Carter Cash and The Carter Family)
4. The Last Of The Drifters (With Tom T. Hall)
5. Call Me The Breeze (With John Carter Cash)
6. That Old Wheel (With Hank Williams, Jr.)
7. Sweeter Than The Flowers (With Waylon Jennings)
8. A Croft In Clachan (The Ballad Of Rob MacDunn) (With Glen Campbell)
9. New Moon Over Jamaica (With Paul McCartney)
10. Water From The Wells Of Home (With John Carter Cash)

CD4: CLASSIC CASH: HALL OF FAME SERIES (1988)

1. Get Rhythm
2. Tennessee Flat Top Box
3. Long Black Veil
4. A Thing Called Love
5. I Still Miss Someone
6. Cry, Cry, Cry
7. Blue Train
8. Sunday Morning Coming Down
9. Five Feet High And Rising
10. Peace In The Valley
11. Don't Take Your Guns To Town
12. Home Of The Blues
13. Guess Things Happen That Way
14. I Got Stripes
15. I Walk The Line
16. Ring Of Fire
17. Ballad Of Ira Hayes
18. The Ways Of A Woman In Love
19. Folsom Prison Blues
20. Supper Time

CD5: CLASSIC CASH: HALL OF FAME SERIES (EARLY MIXES) (1987)
1. Sunday Morning Coming Down (early mix)
2. Get Rhythm (early mix)
3. I Walk The Line (early mix)
4. Long Black Veil (early mix)
5. I Still Miss Someone (early mix)
6. Blue Train (early mix)
7. I Got Stripes (early mix)
8. Peace In The Valley (early mix)
9. Five Feet High And Rising (early mix)
10. Folsom Prison Blues (early mix)
11. Cry, Cry, Cry (early mix)
12. Don't Take Your Guns To Town (early mix)
13. Tennessee Flat Top Box (early mix)
14. A Thing Called Love (early mix)
15. The Ways Of A Woman In Love (early mix)
16. Ballad Of Ira Hayes (early mix)
17. Guess Things Happen That Way (early mix)
18. Home Of The Blues (early mix)
19. Supper Time (early mix)
20. Ring Of Fire (early mix)

CD6: BOOM CHICKA BOOM (1990)
1. A Backstage Pass
2. Cat's In The Cradle
3. Farmer's Almanac
4. Don't Go Near The Water
5. Family Bible
6. Harley
7. I Love You, Love You
8. Hidden Shame
9. Monteagle Mountain
10. That's One You Owe Me
11. Veteran’s Day (b-side of “The Mystery Of Life”)
12. I Shall Be Free (b-side of “Farmer's Almanac”)
13. I Draw The Line (previously unreleased)
14. A Backstage Pass (early version)
15. Harley (early version)
16. That's One You Owe Me (early version)
17. Veteran’s Day (early version)

CD7: THE MYSTERY OF LIFE (1991)

1. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All
2. I'm An Easy Rider
3. The Mystery Of Life
4. Hey Porter
5. Beans For Breakfast
6. Goin' By The Book
7. Wanted Man
8. I'll Go Somewhere And Sing My Songs Again (with Tom T. Hall)
9. The Hobo Song
10. Angel And The Badman
11. The Wanderer (with U2) [Long version from the Faraway, So Close! soundtrack album]

THE COMPLETE MERCURY ALBUMS 1986-1991
LP TRACK LISTING

LP1: CARL PERKINS / JERRY LEE LEWIS / ROY ORBISON / JOHNNY CASH – CLASS OF ’55: MEMPHIS ROCK & ROLL HOMECOMING (1986)
SIDE A
1. Birth Of Rock And Roll
2. Sixteen Candles
3. Class Of '55
4. Waymore’s Blues
5. We Remember The King

SIDE B
1. Coming Home
2. Rock And Roll (Fais-Do-Do)
3. Keep My Motor Running
4. I Will Rock And Roll With You
5. Big Train (From Memphis)

LP2: JOHNNY CASH IS COMING TO TOWN (1987)

SIDE A
1. The Big Light
2. The Ballad Of Barbara
3. I'd Rather Have You
4. Let Him Roll
5. The Night Hank Williams Came To Town

SIDE B
1. Sixteen Tons
2. Letters From Home
3. W. Lee O'Daniel (And The Light Crust Dough Boys)
4. Heavy Metal (Don't Mean Rock And Roll To Me)
5. My Ship Will Sail

LP3: WATER FROM THE WELLS OF HOME (1988)

SIDE A
1. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (With Roseanne Cash & The Everly Brothers)
2. As Long As I Live (With Emmylou Harris)
3. Where Did We Go Right (With June Carter Cash and The Carter Family)
4. The Last Of The Drifters (With Tom T. Hall)
5. Call Me The Breeze (With John Carter Cash)

SIDE B
1. That Old Wheel (With Hank Williams, Jr.)
2. Sweeter Than The Flowers (With Waylon Jennings)
3. A Croft In Clachan (The Ballad Of Rob MacDunn) (With Glen Campbell)
4. New Moon Over Jamaica (With Paul McCartney)
5. Water From The Wells Of Home (With John Carter Cash)

LP4: CLASSIC CASH: HALL OF FAME SERIES (1988)

SIDE A
1. Get Rhythm
2. Tennessee Flat Top Box
3. Long Black Veil
4. A Thing Called Love
5. I Still Miss Someone

SIDE B
1. Cry, Cry, Cry
2. Blue Train
3. Sunday Morning Coming Down
4. Five Feet High And Rising
5. Peace In The Valley

LP5: CLASSIC CASH: HALL OF FAME SERIES (1988)

SIDE C
1. Don't Take Your Guns To Town
2. Home Of The Blues
3. Guess Things Happen That Way
4. I Got Stripes
5. I Walk The Line

SIDE D
1. Ring Of Fire
2. Ballad Of Ira Hayes
3. The Ways Of A Woman In Love
4. Folsom Prison Blues
5. Supper Time

LP6: BOOM CHICKA BOOM (1990)
SIDE A
1. A Backstage Pass
2. Cat's In The Cradle
3. Farmer's Almanac
4. Don't Go Near The Water
5. Family Bible

SIDE B
1. Harley
2. I Love You, Love You
3. Hidden Shame
4. Monteagle Mountain
5. That's One You Owe Me

LP7: THE MYSTERY OF LIFE (1991)

SIDE A
1. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All
2. I'm An Easy Rider
3. The Mystery Of Life
4. Hey Porter
5. Beans For Breakfast

SIDE B
1. Goin' By The Book
2. Wanted Man
3. I'll Go Somewhere And Sing My Songs Again (with Tom T. Hall)
4. The Hobo Song
5. Angel And The Badman

EASY RIDER – THE BEST OF THE MERCURY RECORDINGS

CD TRACK LISTING
1. Waymore Blues (with Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins)
2. We Remember The King
3. The Big Light
4. The Night Hank Williams Came To Town (with Waylon Jennings)
5. Let Him Roll
6. W. Lee O'Daniel (And The Light Crust Dough Boys)
7. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (with Roseanne Cash & The Everly Brothers)
8. The Last Of The Drifters (with Tom T. Hall)
9. That Old Wheel (with Hank Williams Jr.)
10. Get Rhythm
11. Tennessee Flat Top Box
12. Sunday Morning Coming Down
13. Veteran’s Day
14. A Backstage Pass
15. Cat's In The Cradle
16. Farmer's Almanac
17. Monteagle Mountain
18. I Shall Be Free
19. I'm An Easy Rider
20. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All
21. Hey Porter
22. The Mystery Of Life
23. Goin' By The Book
24. The Wanderer (with U2)

2LP TRACK LISTING
SIDE A
1. Waymore Blues (with Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins)
2. We Remember The King
3. The Big Light
4. The Night Hank Williams Came To Town (with Waylon Jennings)
5. Let Him Roll
6. W. Lee O'Daniel (And The Light Crust Dough Boys)

SIDE B
1. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (with Roseanne Cash & The Everly Brothers)
2. The Last Of The Drifters (with Tom T. Hall)
3. That Old Wheel (with Hank Williams Jr.)
4. Get Rhythm
5. Tennessee Flat Top Box
6. Sunday Morning Coming Down

SIDE C
1. Veteran’s Day
2. A Backstage Pass
3. Cat's In The Cradle
4. Farmer's Almanac
5. Monteagle Mountain
6. I Shall Be Free

SIDE D
1. I'm An Easy Rider
2. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All
3. Hey Porter
4. The Mystery Of Life
5. Goin' By The Book
6. The Wanderer (with U2)

On April 18, 2020 one of the greatest solo debuts in rock history, Paul McCartney's McCartney, will receive a special 50th-anniversary release in a limited-edition half-speed mastered vinyl pressing for Record Store Day.

Originally released in April 1970, one month before The Beatles’ swansong Let It Be, McCartney saw Paul getting back to basics. Writing every song and playing every instrument (with backing vocals from Linda McCartney), the eponymous album represented a creative rebirth, bursting with new ideas, experiments, playfulness and freedom. Sonically, McCartney's bare-bones home recording aesthetic imbued the album with an authentic lo-fi spirit, a much sought after sound that continues to retain a contemporary edge 50 years on.

In contrast to the professional difficulties that came with the demise of the world's most iconic band, Paul was personally enjoying the contentment of family life as a newly married father. In a Q&A released at the time, Paul described the theme and feel of the album as, “Home, family, love.” This is obvious from the opening notes of Lovely Linda throughout the album, with tracks like Every Night and Man We Was Lonely musing on how much Paul’s life had improved—and nowhere more poignantly than on the tour de force Maybe I’m Amazed. Paul’s timeless tribute to Linda would be recognized as one of contemporary music’s great love songs, and remains a staple of Paul’s live set to this day, never failing to inspire tears of joy with its refrain of “Maybe I’m a man in the middle of something that he doesn’t really understand. Maybe I’m a man. Maybe you’re the only woman who can ever help me. Baby won’t you help me understand”.

Linda’s presence is also felt in the album's iconic artwork: the front cover's bowl of cherries photographed by her on holiday in Antigua, and the back cover’s portrait of Paul with daughter Mary as a baby, photographed on the family's farm in Scotland where some of the album was also written.

50 years and counting, McCartney offers an incredible insight into the mind of one of the world's greatest ever songwriters. The homespun spirit of the album and Paul's taste for experimentation capture a unique moment in time: The very first steps of an unparalleled solo career that has seen Paul McCartney release decades worth of critically acclaimed commercial blockbuster albums including RAM, Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, Tug of War, Pipes of Peace, Flowers in the Dirt, Flaming Pie, Memory Almost Full, NEW and most recently 2018’s #1-charting Egypt Station.

The 50th anniversary Record Store Day limited edition of McCartney was pressed from a master cut by Miles Showell at half speed using the original 1970 master tapes at Abbey Road Studios. It was made as a vinyl specific transfer in high resolution and without digital peak limiting for the best possible reproduction.

McCartney

Tracklisting

Side one:

The Lovely Linda

That Would Be Something

Valentine Day

Every Night

Hot as Sun/Glasses

Junk

Man We Was Lonely

Side two:

Oo You

Momma Miss America

Teddy Boy

Singalong Junk

Maybe I'm Amazed

Kreen-Akrore

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Bob Marley: Legacy mini-documentary series continues with episode two: ‘Women Rising’ The moving and empowering short premiered today on Bob Marley’s official YouTube channel and features interviews with Rita Marley, also known as Bob Marley’s wife and the matriarch of the Marley Family, whose strength and character is an inspiration for people around the world. Rita was an integral part of the Wailers musical development, as well as a constant presence and influence in Bob Marley’s life, guardian of his legacy, and a member of the Iconic Reggae Group I-Threes.  Mrs. Marley is also the founder of the Rita Marley Foundation, which works to eradicate poverty and hunger while empowering communities in Ghana and Jamaica. Her life’s work epitomizes integrity and grace. 

Bob Marley: Legacy Episode 2 - ‘Women Rising’ also features Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt of the I-Threes, Mystic Marley, Donisha Prendergast,  academic and writer Isis Semaj-Hall, former activist, campaigner and former councilor Seyi Akiwowo and Stella Dadzie writer & historian, Kim Walker, photographer, and more championing women and the messages in Bob Marley’s music. Watch ‘Women Rising’ HERE. 

Last month’s episode, Bob Marley: Legacy Episode 1 ‘75 Years A Legend,’ a refreshing and cinematic journey through the life, legacy, and relevance that Bob Marley still holds in this present day is also available now on Bob Marley’s official YouTube channel.

The documentary follows the EP release of Keep On Moving, which features an extended and radio mix and an exclusive mix from Sly & Robbie. Listen to Keep On Moving EP HERE.

In other news, due to recent CDC restrictions and guidelines, The BeachLife Festival has been postponed until further notice. Ziggy Marley & Stephen Marley will be performing together at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA on August 19 (Tickets here) and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY on August 20 (Tickets here).

In this digital era, Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media, and MARLEY75 will serve to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year. Bob Marley's music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice, and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever in 2020. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity and care is taken to honor Bob's legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures.

Tune in and subscribe to the Official Bob Marley YouTube channel here for more upcoming content celebrating Bob's legacy and contribution to the world.

Additional information on MARLEY75 events will be revealed soon.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Frank Zappa’s celebrated but short-lived 1970 Mothers Of Invention lineup, “Portuguese Fenders,” the first track to be released from the new collection, The Mothers 1970 is available to stream today. The newly-discovered gem is one of 70 unreleased live and studio recordings featured on The Mothers 1970,  available digitally and as a 4CD box set June 26 via Zappa Records/UMe. Recorded live by Zappa on his own tape recorder on tour in 1970, “Portuguese Fenders” is a rollicking live recording featuring an exhilarating guitar solo by the iconoclastic composer and virtuosic guitarist backed by the revered ensemble. Stream “Portuguese Fenders” or pre-order The Mothers 1970 here: https://FrankZappa.lnk.to/Mothers1970

Overseen by the Zappa Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Zappa Vaultmeister, Joe Travers, The Mothers 1970 collects together more than four hours of previously unreleased performances by the heralded lineup which lasted roughly seven months: Aynsley Dunbar (drums), George Duke (piano/keys/trombone), Ian Underwood (organ/keys/guitar), Jeff Simmons (bass/vocals) and Flo & Eddie aka Howard Kaylan (vocals) and Mark Volman (vocals/percussion) of The Turtles who performed under the aliases to skirt contractual limitations of performing under their own names. This iteration of The Mothers, which likely began rehearsals fifty years ago this month, came to an end in January of 1971 when Simmons quit the band during the making of the “200 Motels” movie.

The Mothers 1970 encapsulates the band’s brief but productive span, which included two visits to the studio – resulting in the fantastic 1970 album, Chunga’s Revenge – and tours across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Divided into four parts, the collection is anchored by top notch studio recordings recorded at the famed London-based Trident Studios on June 21-22 with a then-young, unknown producer in the engineer chair by the name of Roy Thomas Baker, several years before he’d go on to have massive success working with Queen, The Cars and Alice Cooper to name a few. An unreleased early mix by Baker of the Chunga’s Revenge track, “Sharleena,” is just one of the many highlights of the studio recordings that also boasts several unearthed rough mixes of the Zappa/Simmons co-write, “Wonderful Wino,” including a rare version that showcases vocals and an alternate guitar solo by Zappa that has been lost to the ages as the original multi-track stems were recorded over. Of the material recorded during this two-day span, “Sharleena” was the only song ever officially released – so tracks like “Red Tubular Lighter,” “Giraffe” and an unheard version of “Envelopes” are completely brand new to fans half a century later.

The band’s live prowess is represented with a slew of concert recordings, including the first official release of the oft bootlegged “Piknik” performance originally broadcast on Dutch radio station VRPO, and live performances from concerts in Santa Monica, Calif. and Spokane, Wash. which have been edited together and presented as a hybrid concert since both shows were not fully captured. The release is rounded out with a selection of live highlights recorded around the U.S., interspersed with candid moments recorded in dressing rooms, motel lobbies and the stage by Zappa who took his personal UHER recorder everywhere. All recordings comprising The Mothers 1970 were sourced from their original tapes discovered in The Vault and digitally transferred and compiled by Travers in 2020. Some tracks were mixed by longtime Zappa Trust associate Craig Parker Adams and the collection was mastered by John Polito at Audio Mechanics.

It wasn’t until 1971 when Zappa would start documenting his gigs with a ½” 4-track recorder so the 1970 tours were not captured in typical fashion. Instead Zappa recorded as much as he could using his personal UHER recorder and it is these recordings that make up the second half of The Mothers 1970. Because of the nature of the recordings it was almost virtually impossible for Zappa to record full shows due to the limitations of the tape recorder and the fact he would often times personally spool tape on the machine on stage while playing. Occasionally Zappa would have the soundman set up the recorder in the venue to tape the concert.  This resulted in ambient recordings which was the case for the Santa Monica and Spokane recordings as well as the live performances that make up the final disc. Similar to the Gail Zappa-created “Road Tapes” live series, these recordings contain audience noise allowing listeners to experience what it was like to be there. The set lists focus heavily on songs from the albums Freak Out!, Absolutely Free, We’re Only In It For The Money, Uncle Meat, the then-recently released Burnt Weeny Sandwich, and early workings of songs that would eventually be released months later on Chunga’s Revenge. Some of the many highlights include the extended guitar workouts, the first version of “Easy Meat” and rare live performances of “Would You Go All The Way?” and “Road Ladies.”  

Following Zappa’s especially productive year of 1969, which saw him record and release several albums, including Uncle Meat and Hot Rats, produce Captain Beefheart’s outsider classic, Trout Mask Replica, as well as the one and only album for The GTO’s, the musician disbanded the original Mothers Of Invention and started experimenting with smaller lineups. Through a variety of circumstances and several chance encounters, Zappa began to assemble his new group of collaborators, with the only original Mother being Ian Underwood. As Travers writes in the enlightening liner notes, which also include a wealth of live and behind-the-scenes photos from this era: “It’s no secret that Frank was excited about this group. The cast of characters and their personalities, musically and personally, made for a very eventful and humorous chapter in Zappa’s career. Frank had a blast with these guys. Their sound was unique, their humor was like no other and yet their time was ultimately short lived.”

Fleeting as it may have been, this camaraderie is on full display and will now live on forever as the exciting new collection, The Mothers 1970.

THE MOTHERS 1970 TRACKLISTING

Disc 1 – Trident Studios, London, England June 21-22, 1970

1. Red Tubular Lighter

2. Lola Steponsky

3. Trident Chatter

4. Sharleena (Roy Thomas Baker Mix)

5. Item 1

6. Wonderful Wino (FZ Vocal)

7. “Enormous Cadenza”

8. Envelopes

9. Red Tubular Lighter (Unedited Master)

10. Wonderful Wino (Basic Tracks, Alt. Take)

11. Giraffe - Take 4

12. Wonderful Wino (FZ Vocal, Alt. Solo)

TOTAL TIME:  63:09

Disc 2 – Live Highlights Part 1 – “Piknik” VPRO June 18, 1970 / Pepperland September 26, 1970

1. Introducing…The Mothers (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

2. Wonderful Wino (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

3. Concentration Moon (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

4. Mom & Dad (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

5. The Air (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

6. Dog Breath (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

7. Mother People (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

8. You Didn’t Try To Call Me (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

9. Agon (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

10. Call Any Vegetable (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

11. King Kong Pt. I (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

12. Igor’s Boogie (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

13. King Kong Pt. II (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)

14. What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are? (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)

15. Bwana Dik (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)

16. Daddy, Daddy, Daddy (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)

17. Do You Like My New Car? (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)

18. Happy Together (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)

TOTAL TIME:  63:34

Disc 3 – Live Highlights Part 2 – Hybrid Concert: Santa Monica August 21, 1970 / Spokane September 17, 1970

1. “Welcome To El Monte Legion Stadium!” (Live)

2. Agon (Live)

3. Call Any Vegetable (Live)

4. Pound For A Brown (Live)

5. Sleeping In A Jar (Live)

6. Sharleena (Live)

7. The Air (Live)

8. Dog Breath (Live)

9. Mother People (Live)

10. You Didn’t Try To Call Me (Live)

11. King Kong Pt. I (Live)

12. Igor’s Boogie (Live)

13. King Kong Pt. II (Live)

14. “Eat It Yourself…” (Live)

15. Trouble Every Day (Live)

16. “A Series Of Musical Episodes” (Live)

17. Road Ladies (Live)

18. “The Holiday Inn Motel Chain” (Live)

19. What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening? (Live)

20. What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are? (Live)

TOTAL TIME 68:29

Disc 4 – Live Highlights Part 3 – FZ Tour Tape Recordings

1. “What’s The Deal, Dick?”

 2. Another M.O.I. Anti-Smut Loyalty Oath (Live)

3. Paladin Routine #1 (Live)

4. Portuguese Fenders (Live)

5. The Sanzini Brothers (Live)

6. Guitar Build ’70 (Live)

7. Would You Go All The Way? (Live)

8. Easy Meat (Live)

9. “Who Did It?”

10. Turn It Down! (Live)

11. A Chance Encounter In Cincinnati

12. Pound For A Brown (Live)

13. Sleeping In A Jar (Live)

14. Beloit Sword Trick (Live)

15. Kong Solos Pt. I (Live)

16. Igor’s Boogie (Live)

17. Kong Solos Pt. II (Live)

18. Gris Gris (Live)

19. Paladin Routine #2 (Live)

20. King Kong - Outro (Live)

TOTAL TIME: 74:08

Yusuf / Cat Stevens today releases a 2020 reimagination of his ‘70s classic ecological anthem, “Where Do The Children Play?” - A first glimpse into the forthcoming album Tea for the Tillerman² (Out September 18th on UMe).

“Looking at the world today and the message in this fifty-year-old song, it looks like the world never grew up.”

 Yusuf / Cat Stevens

 50 years later, “Where Do The Children Play?” still depicts a chilling reality of modern man’s disregard for nature and its disastrous implications for our future on this precious planet. Its original release on Tea for the Tillerman - Cat Stevens’ multi-platinum selling album - made a giant imprint on the consciousness of the seventies generation and is set to do so all over again, this time accompanied by an allegorical and visually arresting animated video by director Chris Hopewell, whose previous credits include Radiohead’s “Burn The Witch.” Watch here.

Speaking about the creation of the video, Chris Hopewell said: “The song has a strong environmental message, so we wanted to make a video that mirrored that. We decided to make the props and scenery from recycled materials wherever possible, to minimize the production impact on the environment.

We did a beach clean in South Wales to gather plastic debris and used it to make the ocean you see in the video. Our sea scenes were made from waste plastic washed up on our shores.

All of the sets and practically all props were made from recycled repurposed and up-cycled materials. I’d say that 90% of what you see on screen was made from recycled materials, even the rostrum the sets are built on were recycled scaffolding planks and sets painted with paints from a local charity store. All materials used were then re-purposed or recycled when the video was finished. It was a slightly longer process than usual, but fun!”

Although written more than half a century ago, “Where Do The Children Play?” stands today as a song whose warning against global mismanagement, scientific and economic recklessness are both eerily prophetic and synchronistically in tune with the issues the world today faces. As building developments, contracting local council budgets and the COVID-19 lockdown have forced the closure of parks, community centers and now even school playgrounds, the lyrics remain as pertinent, thought provoking and yet, touching as the day they were written. A timely reminder of this profound singer/songwriter’s enduring legacy and timeless influence.

Whilst articulating his concerns, Yusuf / Cat has never been content to remain a back-seat observer, and has dedicated much of his life towards forging positive changes to embrace peace, sustainability and the betterment of humanity. Today that can be witnessed through his far-reaching Peace Train project, which focuses on delivering essential food relief and self-sustainable initiatives to impoverished communities; building solar-wells, children’s playgrounds, as well as peace-training, bridging divides and delivering hope to those who need it most. Read more about Peace Train here.

“Where Do The Children Play?” is taken from Tea for the Tillerman², which Is released on September 18th via UMe and sees Yusuf / Cat Stevens recast the original eleven songs for a new age with dramatic results. Half a century and an entire universe of experiences after the songs were originally laid down on tape, T4TT² is a beautiful reunion between the artist and the songs that helped define the melodious ‘70s. The songs from Tillerman have subsequently become intertwined with the fabric of popular culture and sprung into a life of their own through their ever-expanded use in film, TV, and numerous reinterpretations by other artists.

As with the whole of Tea for the Tillerman², “Where Do The Children Play?” sees Yusuf reunite with the key actors from the original recordings - producer Paul Samwell-Smith and Alun Davies (guitar).  They are joined by Bruce Lynch (bass), Eric Appapoulay (Guitarist), multi-instrumentalist Kwame Yeboah (percussion and keys), Jim Cregan (guitar) and Peter Vettese (keys). The session was engineered by David Hefti. The album was recorded at Studio La Fabrique in the south of France, a large sun bleached farmhouse turned studio with a rich and varied history, having once been a factory for dyeing the prestigious red jackets of Napoleon's famous Hussars and also being home to one of the largest collections of classic French cinema, and providentially, the whole experience was filmed.

Fifty years on, this sonic and visual rebirth of “Where Do The Children Play?” affirms the artist’s concern for the natural world, underpinned by a longing for preservation of the innocence of childhood and spiritual reconnection in an increasingly techno-centric world. Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ life and career have seen him walk a boundless path and yet the central humanness of his message has remained consistent, radiating a warm and comforting musical accompaniment to the search for peace and understanding between peoples, and in harmony with nature.

At this most volatile and uncertain time, such values are entirely deserving of representation and with this new single and forthcoming Tea for the Tillerman² album a whole new generation will discover this album all over again. As T.S. Eliot once wrote:

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Frank Zappa’s heralded but short-lived 1970 Mothers Of Invention lineup, The Mothers 1970, a new 4CD and digital collection of 70 unreleased live and studio recordings, is now available via Zappa Records/UMe. To celebrate this momentous release, co-producers Ahmet Zappa and Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers will host a special virtual listening party today, Friday, June 26 at 12 pm PDT/3 pm EDT, where everyone can collectively listen together to the unreleased studio recordings engineered by the then-unknown producer Roy Thomas Baker, which make up disc 1, while the hosts discuss the creation of The Mothers 1970 and the unreleased performances, tell stories about Zappa and answer questions. To join the party, head over to: https://FrankZappa.lnk.to/ListeningParty

Fans can also get into the spirit and show their love for Zappa on Instagram with a new filter unveiled today that superimposes his trademark mustache and soul patch onto their face. Click here to access the filter on the official Frank Zappa Instagram and Zappa-ify yourself.

Overseen by the Zappa Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Joe Travers, The Mothers 1970 collects together more than four hours of previously unreleased performances by the celebrated lineup which lasted roughly seven months: Aynsley Dunbar (drums), George Duke (piano/keys/trombone), Ian Underwood (organ/keys/guitar), Jeff Simmons (bass/vocals) and Flo & Eddie aka Howard Kaylan (vocals) and Mark Volman (vocals/percussion) of The Turtles who performed under these aliases to skirt contractual limitations of performing under their own names. This iteration of The Mothers, which likely began rehearsals fifty years ago in May 1970, came to an end in January of 1971 when Simmons quit the band during the making of the “200 Motels” movie.

The Mothers 1970 encapsulates the band’s brief but productive span, which included two visits to the studio – resulting in the fantastic 1970 album, Chunga’s Revenge – and tours across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Divided into four parts, the collection is anchored by top notch studio recordings recorded at the famed London-based Trident Studios on June 21-22 with a then-unknown producer in the engineer chair by the name of Roy Thomas Baker, several years before he’d go on to have massive success working with Queen, The Cars and Alice Cooper to name a few. An unreleased early mix by Baker of the Chunga’s Revenge track, “Sharleena,” is just one of the many highlights of the studio recordings that also boasts several unearthed rough mixes of the Zappa/Simmons co-write, “Wonderful Wino,” including a rare version that showcases vocals and an alternate guitar solo by Zappa that has been lost to the ages as the original multi-track stems were recorded over. Of the material recorded during this two-day span, “Sharleena” was the only song ever officially released – so tracks like “Red Tubular Lighter,” “Giraffe” and an unheard version of “Envelopes” are completely brand new to fans half a century later.

The band’s live prowess is represented with a slew of concert recordings, including the first official release of the oft bootlegged “Piknik” performance originally broadcast on Dutch radio station VRPO, and live performances from concerts in Santa Monica, Calif. and Spokane, Wash. which have been edited together and presented as a hybrid concert since both shows were not fully captured. The release is rounded out with a selection of live highlights recorded around the U.S., interspersed with candid moments recorded in dressing rooms, motel lobbies and the stage by Zappa who took his personal UHER recorder everywhere. All recordings comprising The Mothers 1970 were sourced from their original tapes discovered in The Vault and digitally transferred and compiled by Travers in 2020. Some tracks were mixed by longtime Zappa Trust associate Craig Parker Adams and the collection was mastered by John Polito at Audio Mechanics.

It wasn’t until 1971 when Zappa would start documenting his gigs with a ½” 4-track recorder so the 1970 tours were not captured in typical fashion. Instead Zappa recorded as much as he could using his personal UHER recorder and it is these recordings that make up the second half of The Mothers 1970. Because of the nature of the recordings it was almost virtually impossible for Zappa to record full shows due to the limitations of the tape recorder and the fact he would often times personally spool tape on the machine on stage while playing. Occasionally Zappa would have the soundman set up the recorder in the venue to tape the concert.  This resulted in ambient recordings which was the case for the Santa Monica and Spokane recordings as well as the live performances that make up the final disc. Similar to the Gail Zappa-created “Road Tapes” live series, these recordings contain audience noise allowing listeners to experience what it was like to be there. The set lists focus heavily on songs from the albums Freak Out!, Absolutely Free, We’re Only In It For The Money, Uncle Meat, the then-recently released Burnt Weeny Sandwich, and early workings of songs that would eventually be released months later on Chunga’s Revenge. Some of the many highlights include the extended guitar workouts, the first version of “Easy Meat” and rare live performances of “Would You Go All The Way?” and “Road Ladies.”  

Following Zappa’s especially productive year of 1969 (which saw him record and release several albums, including Uncle Meat and Hot Rats, produce Captain Beefheart’s outsider classic, Trout Mask Replica, as well as the one and only album for The GTO’s), the musician disbanded the original Mothers Of Invention and started experimenting with smaller lineups. Through a variety of circumstances and several chance encounters, Zappa began to assemble his new group of collaborators, with the only original Mother being Ian Underwood. As Travers writes in the enlightening liner notes, which also include a wealth of live and behind-the-scenes photos from this era: “It’s no secret that Frank was excited about this group. The cast of characters and their personalities, musically and personally, made for a very eventful and humorous chapter in Zappa’s career. Frank had a blast with these guys. Their sound was unique, their humor was like no other and yet their time was ultimately short lived.”

Fleeting as it may have been, this camaraderie is on full display and will now live on forever as the exciting new collection, The Mothers 1970.

THE MOTHERS 1970 TRACKLISTING

Disc 1 – Trident Studios, London, England June 21-22, 1970

1. Red Tubular Lighter
2. Lola Steponsky
3. Trident Chatter
4. Sharleena (Roy Thomas Baker Mix)
5. Item 1
6. Wonderful Wino (FZ Vocal)
7. “Enormous Cadenza”
8. Envelopes
9. Red Tubular Lighter (Unedited Master)
10. Wonderful Wino (Basic Tracks, Alt. Take)
11. Giraffe - Take 4
12. Wonderful Wino (FZ Vocal, Alt. Solo)
TOTAL TIME:  63:09

Disc 2 – Live Highlights Part 1 – “Piknik” VPRO June 18, 1970 / Pepperland September 26, 1970

1. Introducing…The Mothers (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
2. Wonderful Wino (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
3. Concentration Moon (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
4. Mom & Dad (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
5. The Air (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
6. Dog Breath (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
7. Mother People (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
8. You Didn’t Try To Call Me (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
9. Agon (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
10. Call Any Vegetable (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
11. King Kong Pt. I (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
12. Igor’s Boogie (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
13. King Kong Pt. II (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
14. What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are? (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
15. Bwana Dik (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
16. Daddy, Daddy, Daddy (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
17. Do You Like My New Car? (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
18. Happy Together (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
TOTAL TIME:  63:34

Disc 3 – Live Highlights Part 2 – Hybrid Concert: Santa Monica August 21, 1970 / Spokane September 17, 1970

1. “Welcome To El Monte Legion Stadium!” (Live)
2. Agon (Live)
3. Call Any Vegetable (Live)
4. Pound For A Brown (Live)
5. Sleeping In A Jar (Live)
6. Sharleena (Live)
7. The Air (Live)
8. Dog Breath (Live)
9. Mother People (Live)
10. You Didn’t Try To Call Me (Live)
11. King Kong Pt. I (Live)
12. Igor’s Boogie (Live)
13. King Kong Pt. II (Live)
14. “Eat It Yourself…” (Live)
15. Trouble Every Day (Live)
16. “A Series Of Musical Episodes” (Live)
17. Road Ladies (Live)
18. “The Holiday Inn Motel Chain” (Live)
19. What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening? (Live)
20. What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are? (Live)
TOTAL TIME 68:29

Disc 4 – Live Highlights Part 3 – FZ Tour Tape Recordings

1. “What’s The Deal, Dick?”
2. Another M.O.I. Anti-Smut Loyalty Oath (Live)
3. Paladin Routine #1 (Live)
4. Portuguese Fenders (Live)
5. The Sanzini Brothers (Live)
6. Guitar Build ’70 (Live)
7. Would You Go All The Way? (Live)
8. Easy Meat (Live)
9. “Who Did It?”
10. Turn It Down! (Live)
11. A Chance Encounter In Cincinnati
12. Pound For A Brown (Live)
13. Sleeping In A Jar (Live)
14. Beloit Sword Trick (Live)
15. Kong Solos Pt. I (Live)
16. Igor’s Boogie (Live)
17. Kong Solos Pt. II (Live)
18. Gris Gris (Live)
19. Paladin Routine #2 (Live)
20. King Kong - Outro (Live)
TOTAL TIME: 74:08

In the mid-1980s as Johnny Cash found himself between labels, Mercury Records snatched up the country legend for what would end up being a prolific string of six albums in five years. The records, released from 1986 to 1991, were a diverse collection that included a notable reunion with fellow Sun Records alumni Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, star-studded collaborations with Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney, Glen Campbell, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams Jr. and others, inspired takes on songs from Elvis Costello, Guy Clark and Harry Chapin, the Man in Black revisiting his classic hits, and some of the finest songs ever written by Cash. Despite the quality of material, Cash’s stint with Mercury has never been revisited—until now.

Now, Cash's often overlooked and underappreciated chapter of his body of work are available for revisiting with a suite releases via Mercury/UMe including a comprehensive new box set, The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991, and a new greatest hits album, Easy Rider: The Best Of The Mercury Recordings, a newly assembled collection that compiles 24 highlights selected from Cash's Mercury catalog. Easy Rider is available to stream now or as a single CD or double LP.

Stream/purchase: The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991:  https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/CompleteMercuryAlbums

Stream/purchase: Easy Rider: The Best Of The Mercury Recordings: https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/EasyRiderBestOf

The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991, available digitally, on 7CD or 7LP on 180-gram vinyl, collects all six albums – Class of '55: Memphis Rock & Roll Homecoming (1986), Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town (1987), Water from the Wells of Home (1988), Classic Cash: Hall of Fame Series (1988), Boom Chicka Boom (1990) and The Mystery of Life (1991), and –  that Cash recorded during his Mercury tenure and presents them together for the first time in a handsome slipcase emblazoned with the distinctive bold Cash logo. All of the albums have been remastered from the original Mercury master tapes by noted engineer Kevin Reeves at UMG Studios Nashville. The set was assembled by Grammy Award-winning producer Bill Levenson and features extensive new liner notes by veteran music journalist Scott Schinder.

In addition, all of the albums are also now available individually on 180-gram black vinyl, with Classic Cash: Hall Of Fame Series as a two-LP set. This marks the first time that Cash's Mercury albums have been reissued.

The CD and digital versions of The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991 are augmented with several rare or previously unreleased tracks and an additional 20-track album of spare early mixes aptly titled Classic Cash: Hall Of Fame Series (Early Mixes), mastered from tapes newly discovered in the Mercury vaults. Although these never-before-heard versions are not included in the vinyl box, they're being released on October 24 as a Record Store Day First exclusive, as a stand-alone limited edition double LP.

While the mid ‘80s to early ‘90s saw Cash, who was still touring heavily, a bit creatively adrift, he never stopped making distinctive, personally charged music. Signing with Mercury after ending his almost 30-year relationship with Columbia, Cash’s output for Mercury demonstrated that his musical gifts remained as sharp as ever.

Cash’s first album for Mercury, the all-star session, Class of '55: Memphis Rock & Roll Homecoming, reunited him with fellow Sun Records alumni Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins. With veteran Memphis producer Chips Moman behind the board, the four singers tackle a mix of old and new material, including the Cash-led "I Will Rock and Roll with You" and the Presley tribute, "We Remember the King." Another Elvis ode, John Fogerty's "Big Train from Memphis," features a vocal chorus that includes Fogerty, June Carter Cash, Rick Nelson, Dave Edmunds, Dan Penn and the Judds.

Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town reteamed Cash with producer "Cowboy" Jack Clement, who as Sun Records' house engineer had overseen many of Cash's '50s sessions and written some of his early hits. The album’s studio team includes wife June Carter Cash and her singing siblings Anita and Helen and daughter Carlene Carter, Cash’s then son-in-law Marty Stuart, and Waylon Jennings, who lends his voice to the warmly nostalgic "The Night Hank Williams Came to Town." Other highlights include rousing readings of Elvis Costello's "The Big Light" and James Talley's "W. Lee O'Daniel (and the Light Crust Dough Boys)."

With Clement producing again, the star-studded Water from the Wells of Home features guest appearances by Cash’s wife June Carter Cash and daughter Rosanne Cash, along with Glen Campbell, Jessi Colter, the Everly Brothers, Tom T. Hall, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney and Hank Williams Jr. on an eclectic set of material including "That Old Wheel," a duet with Williams that became Cash's highest-charting single in over a decade.

Classic Cash: Hall of Fame Series finds Cash revisiting such vintage classics as "I Walk the Line," "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Get Rhythm," "I Still Miss Someone" and "Sunday Morning Coming Down" with considerable gusto.

With veteran Nashville musician Bob Moore producing, Boom Chicka Boom —named in honor of the trademark rhythm that Cash pioneered in the '50s—is a straightforward vehicle for Cash's talent, vision and humor. Highlights include the surreal Cash composition "A Backstage Pass," a remake of Harry Chapin’s "Cat's in the Cradle" and the poignant "Hidden Shame," which Elvis Costello wrote for Cash. The CD of Boom Chicka Boom includes seven bonus tracks not on the original album, including several b-sides and early versions and the unreleased gem "I Draw The Line."

The Mystery of Life, again produced by Clement, emphasized Cash’s own songwriting, e.g. "The Greatest Cowboy of Them All" and "I'm An Easy Rider," while also dipping into the songbooks of Tom T. Hall and John Prine. The CD version of The Mystery of Life also includes Cash's historic collaboration with U2, "The Wanderer," which appears as an extended version previously released only on the soundtrack album of director Wim Wenders’ film “Faraway, So Close.” The song also closes out the best of collection.

The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991 and Easy Rider: The Best Of The Mercury Recording represent an overdue deep dive into Johnny Cash's Mercury catalog, revealing its importance as the bridge between his better-known work for other labels. As mentioned by Schinder in the box set’s liner notes, these recordings “stand as a notable transitional body of work, and an illuminating prelude to the full-blown creative resurgence that Cash would experience in the 1990s.”

THE COMPLETE MERCURY ALBUMS 1986-1991
CD TRACK LISTING

CD1: CARL PERKINS / JERRY LEE LEWIS / ROY ORBISON / JOHNNY CASH – CLASS OF ’55: MEMPHIS ROCK & ROLL HOMECOMING (1986)

1. Birth Of Rock And Roll
2. Sixteen Candles
3. Class Of '55
4. Waymore’s Blues
5. We Remember The King
6. Coming Home
7. Rock And Roll (Fais-Do-Do)
8. Keep My Motor Running
9. I Will Rock And Roll With You
10. Big Train (From Memphis)

CD2: JOHNNY CASH IS COMING TO TOWN (1987)

1. The Big Light
2. The Ballad Of Barbara
3. I'd Rather Have You
4. Let Him Roll
5. The Night Hank Williams Came To Town
6. Sixteen Tons
7. Letters From Home
8. W. Lee O'Daniel (And The Light Crust Dough Boys)
9. Heavy Metal (Don't Mean Rock And Roll To Me)
10. My Ship Will Sail

CD3: WATER FROM THE WELLS OF HOME (1988)

1. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (With Roseanne Cash & The Everly Brothers)
2. As Long As I Live (With Emmylou Harris)
3. Where Did We Go Right (With June Carter Cash and The Carter Family)
4. The Last Of The Drifters (With Tom T. Hall)
5. Call Me The Breeze (With John Carter Cash)
6. That Old Wheel (With Hank Williams, Jr.)
7. Sweeter Than The Flowers (With Waylon Jennings)
8. A Croft In Clachan (The Ballad Of Rob MacDunn) (With Glen Campbell)
9. New Moon Over Jamaica (With Paul McCartney)
10. Water From The Wells Of Home (With John Carter Cash)

CD4: CLASSIC CASH: HALL OF FAME SERIES (1988)

1. Get Rhythm
2. Tennessee Flat Top Box
3. Long Black Veil
4. A Thing Called Love
5. I Still Miss Someone
6. Cry, Cry, Cry
7. Blue Train
8. Sunday Morning Coming Down
9. Five Feet High And Rising
10. Peace In The Valley
11. Don't Take Your Guns To Town
12. Home Of The Blues
13. Guess Things Happen That Way
14. I Got Stripes
15. I Walk The Line
16. Ring Of Fire
17. Ballad Of Ira Hayes
18. The Ways Of A Woman In Love
19. Folsom Prison Blues
20. Supper Time

CD5: CLASSIC CASH: HALL OF FAME SERIES (EARLY MIXES) (1987)

1. Sunday Morning Coming Down (early mix)
2. Get Rhythm (early mix)
3. I Walk The Line (early mix)
4. Long Black Veil (early mix)
5. I Still Miss Someone (early mix)
6. Blue Train (early mix)
7. I Got Stripes (early mix)
8. Peace In The Valley (early mix)
9. Five Feet High And Rising (early mix)
10. Folsom Prison Blues (early mix)
11. Cry, Cry, Cry (early mix)
12. Don't Take Your Guns To Town (early mix)
13. Tennessee Flat Top Box (early mix)
14. A Thing Called Love (early mix)
15. The Ways Of A Woman In Love (early mix)
16. Ballad Of Ira Hayes (early mix)
17. Guess Things Happen That Way (early mix)
18. Home Of The Blues (early mix)
19. Supper Time (early mix)
20. Ring Of Fire (early mix)

CD6: BOOM CHICKA BOOM (1990)

1. A Backstage Pass
2. Cat's In The Cradle
3. Farmer's Almanac
4. Don't Go Near The Water
5. Family Bible
6. Harley
7. I Love You, Love You
8. Hidden Shame
9. Monteagle Mountain
10. That's One You Owe Me
11. Veteran’s Day (b-side of “The Mystery Of Life”)
12. I Shall Be Free (b-side of “Farmer's Almanac”)
13. I Draw The Line (previously unreleased)
14. A Backstage Pass (early version)
15. Harley (early version)
16. That's One You Owe Me (early version)
17. Veteran’s Day (early version)

CD7: THE MYSTERY OF LIFE (1991)

1. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All
2. I'm An Easy Rider
3. The Mystery Of Life
4. Hey Porter
5. Beans For Breakfast
6. Goin' By The Book
7. Wanted Man
8. I'll Go Somewhere And Sing My Songs Again (with Tom T. Hall)
9. The Hobo Song
10. Angel And The Badman
11. The Wanderer (with U2) [Long version from the Faraway, So Close! soundtrack album]

THE COMPLETE MERCURY ALBUMS 1986-1991
LP TRACK LISTING

LP1: CARL PERKINS / JERRY LEE LEWIS / ROY ORBISON / JOHNNY CASH – CLASS OF ’55: MEMPHIS ROCK & ROLL HOMECOMING (1986)
SIDE A
1. Birth Of Rock And Roll
2. Sixteen Candles
3. Class Of '55
4. Waymore’s Blues
5. We Remember The King

SIDE B
1. Coming Home
2. Rock And Roll (Fais-Do-Do)
3. Keep My Motor Running
4. I Will Rock And Roll With You
5. Big Train (From Memphis)

LP2: JOHNNY CASH IS COMING TO TOWN (1987)

SIDE A
1. The Big Light
2. The Ballad Of Barbara
3. I'd Rather Have You
4. Let Him Roll
5. The Night Hank Williams Came To Town

SIDE B
1. Sixteen Tons
2. Letters From Home
3. W. Lee O'Daniel (And The Light Crust Dough Boys)
4. Heavy Metal (Don't Mean Rock And Roll To Me)
5. My Ship Will Sail

LP3: WATER FROM THE WELLS OF HOME (1988)

SIDE A
1. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (With Roseanne Cash & The Everly Brothers)
2. As Long As I Live (With Emmylou Harris)
3. Where Did We Go Right (With June Carter Cash and The Carter Family)
4. The Last Of The Drifters (With Tom T. Hall)
5. Call Me The Breeze (With John Carter Cash)

SIDE B
1. That Old Wheel (With Hank Williams, Jr.)
2. Sweeter Than The Flowers (With Waylon Jennings)
3. A Croft In Clachan (The Ballad Of Rob MacDunn) (With Glen Campbell)
4. New Moon Over Jamaica (With Paul McCartney)
5. Water From The Wells Of Home (With John Carter Cash)

LP4: CLASSIC CASH: HALL OF FAME SERIES (1988)

SIDE A
1. Get Rhythm
2. Tennessee Flat Top Box
3. Long Black Veil
4. A Thing Called Love
5. I Still Miss Someone

SIDE B
1. Cry, Cry, Cry
2. Blue Train
3. Sunday Morning Coming Down
4. Five Feet High And Rising
5. Peace In The Valley

LP5: CLASSIC CASH: HALL OF FAME SERIES (1988)

SIDE C
1. Don't Take Your Guns To Town
2. Home Of The Blues
3. Guess Things Happen That Way
4. I Got Stripes
5. I Walk The Line

SIDE D
1. Ring Of Fire
2. Ballad Of Ira Hayes
3. The Ways Of A Woman In Love
4. Folsom Prison Blues
5. Supper Time

LP6: BOOM CHICKA BOOM (1990)
SIDE A
1. A Backstage Pass
2. Cat's In The Cradle
3. Farmer's Almanac
4. Don't Go Near The Water
5. Family Bible

SIDE B
1. Harley
2. I Love You, Love You
3. Hidden Shame
4. Monteagle Mountain
5. That's One You Owe Me

LP7: THE MYSTERY OF LIFE (1991)

SIDE A
1. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All
2. I'm An Easy Rider
3. The Mystery Of Life
4. Hey Porter
5. Beans For Breakfast

SIDE B
1. Goin' By The Book
2. Wanted Man
3. I'll Go Somewhere And Sing My Songs Again (with Tom T. Hall)
4. The Hobo Song
5. Angel And The Badman

EASY RIDER – THE BEST OF THE MERCURY RECORDINGS

CD TRACK LISTING
1. Waymore Blues (with Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins)
2. We Remember The King
3. The Big Light
4. The Night Hank Williams Came To Town (with Waylon Jennings)
5. Let Him Roll
6. W. Lee O'Daniel (And The Light Crust Dough Boys)
7. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (with Roseanne Cash & The Everly Brothers)
8. The Last Of The Drifters (with Tom T. Hall)
9. That Old Wheel (with Hank Williams Jr.)
10. Get Rhythm
11. Tennessee Flat Top Box
12. Sunday Morning Coming Down
13. Veteran’s Day
14. A Backstage Pass
15. Cat's In The Cradle
16. Farmer's Almanac
17. Monteagle Mountain
18. I Shall Be Free
19. I'm An Easy Rider
20. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All
21. Hey Porter
22. The Mystery Of Life
23. Goin' By The Book
24. The Wanderer (with U2)

2LP TRACK LISTING
SIDE A
1. Waymore Blues (with Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins)
2. We Remember The King
3. The Big Light
4. The Night Hank Williams Came To Town (with Waylon Jennings)
5. Let Him Roll
6. W. Lee O'Daniel (And The Light Crust Dough Boys)

SIDE B
1. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (with Roseanne Cash & The Everly Brothers)
2. The Last Of The Drifters (with Tom T. Hall)
3. That Old Wheel (with Hank Williams Jr.)
4. Get Rhythm
5. Tennessee Flat Top Box
6. Sunday Morning Coming Down

SIDE C
1. Veteran’s Day
2. A Backstage Pass
3. Cat's In The Cradle
4. Farmer's Almanac
5. Monteagle Mountain
6. I Shall Be Free

SIDE D
1. I'm An Easy Rider
2. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All
3. Hey Porter
4. The Mystery Of Life
5. Goin' By The Book
6. The Wanderer (with U2)

Another prized jewel in the Rolling Stones' unmatched catalog is to be restored to its full glory and more, with the September 4 multi-format release of their 1973 classic Goats Head Soup. The album will be available in multiple configurations, including four-disc CD and vinyl box set editions, with a treasure trove of unreleased studio and live material. Pre-order Goats Head Soup here.

The reissue follows the huge success and acclaim for the Stones' “Living In A Ghost Town” single and their universally-admired lockdown performance of “You Can't Always Get What You Want” in Global Citizen's April special One World: Together at Home.

The box set and deluxe CD and vinyl editions of Goats Head Soup will all feature ten bonus tracks, which include alternate versions, outtakes and no fewer than three previously unheard tracks. The first of these to be unveiled, “Criss Cross,” is available as an instant grat track today with pre-orders of the album, and on all streaming and download services. The official “Criss Cross” video is out now, watch here.

Stones devotees worldwide will be thrilled by the inclusion, on the box set and deluxe editions, of the previously unheard “Scarlet,” featuring guitar by Jimmy Page, and a third newly unveiled song, “All The Rage.”

The layered guitar textures of “Scarlet” make for a track that's as infectious and raunchy as anything the band cut in this hallowed era. As well as Jimmy Page guesting alongside Mick & Keith on the track it also features on bass Rick Grech of Blind Faith fame.

“All The Rage” has a wild, post - “Brown Sugar” strut and the percussive “Criss Cross” rocks and swaggers as only the Stones can. The bonus disc of unreleased material also sheds new light on tracks such as “100 Years Ago” and “Hide Your Love,” with further unissued mixes by Stones insider and acclaimed producer Glyn Johns.

The box set editions of Goats Head Soup will also include Brussels Affair, the 15-track live album recorded in a memorable show in Belgium, on the autumn 1973 tour that followed the album's late August release. This much-sought-after disc, mixed by Bob Clearmountain, was previously available only in the Rolling Stones' “official bootleg” series of live recordings in 2012.

The Brussels show features the already-classic “Tumbling Dice,” “Midnight Rambler,” “Jumping Jack Flash” and many others, and includes a sequence of tracks from the then-new album. “Star Star” is followed by “Dancing With Mr. D,” “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)” and “Angie.”

Additionally, the CD and vinyl box sets offer the original ten-track album in 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res mixes, along with the videos for “Dancing With Mr. D,” “Silver Train” and “Angie.” An exclusive 100-page book will feature a remarkable array of photographs, essays by writers Ian McCann, Nick Kent and Daryl Easlea and faithful reproductions of three tour posters from 1973.

As McCann writes: “Goats Head Soup was released with plenty of fanfare. Despite what you may read today, the kids weren’t entirely absorbed by glam rock, metal, prog and Philly soul back in 1973, and they bought the album in their thousands, sending it to No. 1 in the USA and in the UK, their fifth consecutive British chart-topper.”

 Their 11th UK studio album, recorded in Jamaica, Los Angeles and London as their last collaboration with producer Jimmy Miller, Goats Head Soup came in the wake of the Stones' landmark 1972 double album Exile On Main St. The new set was introduced by the single that became one of their most exalted ballads, the endlessly elegant “Angie,” completed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards during a songwriting sojourn in Switzerland.

The timeless love song, showcasing Jagger's yearning lead vocal and Nicky Hopkins' beautiful piano motif, topped the charts in the US, where it was certified platinum, and went to No. 1 across Europe, Australia and beyond. “We decided to do something different, and it worked,” Richards told Rolling Stone of “Angie”. “Maybe a lot of people bought it that would never buy a Stones LP.” Interestingly in a recent interview with The New York Times, Bob Dylan chose “Angie” as one of three Rolling Stones songs he wished he had written.

Goats Head Soup, with its famous David Bailey sleeve, featured the Stones' vintage 1969-1974 line-up of Jagger, Richards, Mick Taylor, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts, with the addition of some essential collaborators. On an album on which their trademark rocking sound was often augmented by more low-key, reflective material, there were no fewer than four featured piano players: Hopkins, Billy Preston, Ian 'Stu' Stewart and Jagger himself.

“Angie” was the only single to be released from the LP in the UK, where it spent two weeks at No. 5 in September. In the US, the exhilaratingly funky, horn-filled “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker),” featuring Mick Taylor's wah-wah lead guitar, followed it into the top 20 in February 1974.

The many other highlights of the album included the majestically brooding opener “Dancing With Mr. D,” the lithely strutting “100 Years Ago” and “Star Star” and the graceful “Winter.” Richards' rueful lead vocal on “Coming Down Again” featured another Stones stalwart, saxophonist Bobby Keys. “Silver Train,” the b-side of “Angie,” would be revived after a gap of some 40 years, during the Stones' 14 On Fire tour of 2014, when Mick Taylor reprised his original guitar part in shows in Tokyo and Brisbane.

When the album was first released, reviewers lined up to sing its praises. “This is music which could only come from good musicians who know each other really well,” ruled the late and esteemed writer-broadcaster Charlie Gillett in Let It Rock. “The Stones succeed because they rarely forget their purpose — the creation of rock & roll drama,” said Bud Scoppa in Rolling Stone. “It’s deepening and unfolding over the coming months will no doubt rate as one of the year's richest musical experiences.”

Stephen Demorest in Circus said that the album “rushes and rambles with all the power and finesse that have become the signature of the hardworking band in performance.” Forty-seven years on, the expanded reissues of Goats Head Soup prove that's still true, and then some.

THE ROLLING STONES’ GOATS HEAD SOUP WILL BE RELEASED AS MULTI-FORMAT AND DELUXE EDITIONS VIA POLYDOR/INTERSCOPE/UME ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2020.

PRE-ORDER HERE

https://the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/GoatsHeadAlbumPR

WATCH THE “CRISS CROSS” VIDEO HERE

https://the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/CrissCrossPR

Paul McCartney today releases the ‘Beautiful Night’ EP as part of the forthcoming re-release of his acclaimed 1997 album, ‘Flaming Pie’. Due for release on July 31st, ‘Flaming Pie’ marks the thirteenth installment in Paul’s GRAMMY Award-winning Archive Collection. Listen HERE.

The EP recreates the original 1997 ‘Beautiful Night’ maxi-single, featuring the remastered Flaming Pie single, ‘Beautiful Night’, a 1995 demo of the song, an alternate ‘Run Through’ recording, and ‘Oobu Joobu Part 5’ - a medley of Beautiful Night-themed chat, alternate mixes and interview recordings of Paul and Ringo Starr speaking about the song.

A newly remastered music video for Beautiful Night, originally filmed in 1997, is also released today. Watch HERE.

Beautiful Night marks one of the first collaborations between Paul and Ringo Starr since The Beatles. Speaking of his memories of that time, Paul said:

“I’d been saying to Ringo for years that it’d be great to do something, because we’d never really done that much work together outside The Beatles. One night Jeff Lynne suggested, “why don’t you get Ringo in?” and I said, “OK!” It just sort of happened.

I had this song Beautiful Night which I’d written quite a few years ago. I’d always liked it but I felt I didn’t quite have the right version of it.

So I got this song out for when Ringo was coming in, and right away it was just like the old days.”

Originally released May 5, 1997, Flaming Pie ended a four-year gap between McCartney studio albums. Recorded largely in the wake of Paul’s involvement in the curation and release of The Beatles Anthology series, Flaming Pie was shaped and inspired by that experience, with Paul remarking at the time “(The Beatles Anthology) reminded me of The Beatles' standards and the standards that we reached with the songs. So in a way it was a refresher course that set the framework for this album.”

Produced by Paul, Jeff Lynne and George Martin and featuring a supporting cast of family and friends including Ringo Starr, Steve Miller, Linda McCartney and son James, Flaming Pie is equal parts a masterclass in songcraft and a sustained burst of joyful spontaneity. With highlights ranging from the uplifting and inspirational opener ‘The Song We Were Singing’ to the raucous title track (named for a quote from an early John Lennon interview on the origin of The Beatles’ name: "It came in a vision – a man appeared on a flaming pie and said unto them, 'from this day on you are Beatles with an A.’”) to the pensive ‘Calico Skies,’ and featuring singles ‘Young Boy,’ ‘The World Tonight’ and ‘Beautiful Night,’ Flaming Pie would represent yet another pinnacle in Paul’s solo catalogue: Released to rapturous reviews, the album would be Paul’s most commercially successful release of the ‘90s, achieving his highest chart positions since the ‘80s and would receive gold certifications in the US, UK, Japan and more.

Paul’s critically acclaimed and universally beloved tenth solo album Flaming Pie will be the latest to receive the Archive Collection treatment, released on formats including a 5CD/2DVD/4LP Collector’s Edition, a 5CD/2DVD Deluxe Edition, plus 3LP, 2LP and 2CD editions. Pre-orders are available HERE.

‘Beautiful Night’ EP Tracklisting

Beautiful Night (Main Album - Remastered)

Beautiful Night (1995 Demo)                                   

Beautiful Night (Run Through)                                 

Oobu Joobu Part 5:

And Now (Jingle)

Oobu Joobu Main Theme

Beautiful Night Chat

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Chat About ‘Beautiful Night’

Ringo Starr Chat

Beautiful Night (Flaming Pie Mix)

Beautiful Night (Original Version)

Goodbyes

Oobu Joobu Main Theme

Following the release of the 2020 reimagination of his classic 1970 ecological anthem – “Where Do The Children Play?” - Yusuf / Cat Stevens and director Chris Hopewell (Radiohead, Run The Jewels) have revealed behind-the-scenes footage exploring the environmentally conscious approach to the making of this allegorical and visually arresting stop-motion animated music video.

The creation of the visual reflects the song’s prescient warning and environmental concerns. 90% of all props and scenery were made from recycled and upcycled materials to minimize production impacts on the environment wherever possible. This commitment led director Chris Hopewell to create an entire ocean made out of plastic waste recovered from a beach in South Wales. Later repurposing scaffolding, reclaimed wood and second-hand cans of paint from a local charity store, Hopewell transformed the otherwise landfill-bound materials into an entire set over a six week shoot.

According to Albert, BAFTA’s industry-backed sustainability project, the production of one hour’s worth of TV content now produces 13 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Realized by creators Hopewell (whose previous credits include Radiohead’s “Burn The Witch”) and production company Black Dog Films, three new making-of films explore the possibilities of creating a music video with as little waste as possible. Watch the beach clean video HERE, the building the sea film HERE, and behind-the-scenes footage HERE.

“The track itself has a very strong environmental message so we decided very early on that the video itself should have as low an environmental impact as possible. Film production can cause a lot of waste as a by-product of the model making, set, scenery design and construction so we went into this trying to use as much recycled, upcycled material as possible.

This material was gathered from skips, recycling centers and rubbish tips as well as items that were destined for landfill and donated by friends and family. It did make the production a little more complex as we couldn't simply just go out and buy from a hardware shop what was needed. We had to make do with what we'd gathered but this make do and mend approach actually turned out to be quite fun although a little more time consuming. The plastic ocean scenes in the film are made from plastic waste collected on a 2km stretch of beach in South Wales. We collected 10 Ikea bags of washed up plastic waste and barely made a dent! 

"I'd like the video to make people think about the legacy of what we're leaving for future generations. We need a total re-think about the way we consume.”

Chris Hopewell

“‘Where Do The Children Play?’ is so relevant. It tells it like it is - that we need to change our ways. Looking at the world today and the message in this fifty-year-old song, it looks like the world never grew up.”

Yusuf / Cat Stevens

Whilst articulating his concerns, Yusuf / Cat Stevens has never been content to remain an observer, and has dedicated much of his life towards forging positive changes to embrace peace, sustainability and the betterment of humanity. Today that can be witnessed through his far-reaching Peacetrain project, which focuses on delivering essential food relief and self-sustainable initiatives to impoverished communities.

As part of its ‘Where Do the Children Play?’ campaign, Peacetrain is working with Barnardos to provide an indoor play space for special needs children, as well as building a playground and outdoor musical stage at Shaftesbury Park Primary School in Battersea. Read more about Peacetrain’s work HERE.

Fifty years on, this sonic and visual rebirth of “Where Do The Children Play?” affirms the artist’s concern for the natural world, underpinned by a longing for preservation of the innocence of childhood and spiritual reconnection in an increasingly techno-centric world. Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ life and career have seen him walk a boundless path and yet the central humanness of his message has remained consistent, radiating a warm and comforting musical accompaniment to the search for peace and understanding between peoples, and in harmony with nature.

“Where Do The Children Play?” offers a first glimpse into the forthcoming Tea for the Tillerman² album, out September 18th on UMe marking the 50th anniversary of the era-defining album that made a superstar. Pre-order HERE

Episode five of Bob Marley's Legacy documentary series continues with 'Punky Reggae Party,' an insightful look back at Bob's time in and impact on London and the rest of the United Kingdom. Dating back from the mid-'70s to this present day, 'Punky Reggae Party' explores how Bob's music and ethos captured the Zeitgeist, detailing his signing to Chris Blackwell's Island Records, and the welcomed arrival of his sound and the impact he had in the United Kingdom, especially the London-born children of the Windrush generation.

Featuring interviews with music aficionado Don Letts, MP and former shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, award-winning British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason MBE, and Chris Blackwell as well as journalist and broadcaster, Chris Salewicz, British-Nigerian women's rights activist Seyi Akiwowo, the daughter of a Rasta, Hak BakerMarika,  and photographer Adrian Boot, this compelling new 22-minute short touches on a post-war, multi-cultural Britain, the rise of punk, and how Bob Marley, the ultimate rebel, fitted into all of this and helped unite a country through his music. 'Punky Reggae Party' is available to watch on Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel. Watch HERE.

Also, today sees the release of one of the world's best-selling and most loved albums of our time, LEGEND, available now on limited-edition picture disc. Featuring many of Bob's most memorable songs, from "One Love/People Get Ready" to "Get Up, Stand Up," "Is This Love" to "Jammin'," "Could You Be Loved" to "Three Little Birds." The album also includes eight more classics, in celebration of #BobMarley75, and is available from today in a limited-edition picture disc presenting the iconic cover shot backed with a previously unseen image of Bob. Purchase HERE.

Last Sunday, eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning Ziggy Marley performed an extraordinary one-off, virtual performance, paying homage to his father's timeless catalog. Ziggy performed eleven of Bob Marley's legendary tracks in an intimate setting that was livestreamed on Bob Marley's official YouTube channel. Watch the archived livestream videos HERE.  Following the concert, Ziggy participated in an exclusive Q&A on CEEK's Virtual Reality content streaming platform, and a select number of 360VR tracks will also be available on CEEK's platform.  The audio of the full performance, Ziggy Marley – Bob Marley 75th Celebration (pt. 1), will be available as an e-album, on July 31, listen HERE.

In other news, Ziggy Marley released a brand new single, "Play With Sky (feat. Ben Harper)" today. The track, written by Ziggy, comes from his new upcoming family album, MORE FAMILY TIME. This release is a follow up to his 2009's Grammy® and Emmy winning album, FAMILY TIME, and is due out on September 18. Listen to 'Play With Sky (feat. Ben Harper) HERE.

Last week, members of the Marley family, in conjunction with Tuff Gong International and Amplified Music, released a reimagination of the late Bob Marley's iconic anthem, "One Love," featuring musicians from all corners of the globe, artists from conflict zones and children living in vulnerable communities to support UNICEF's work to reimagine a fairer, more just world for children whose lives have been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.  All net proceeds from the sale of streams of the recording will directly support Reimagine, UNICEF's global campaign to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from becoming a lasting crisis for children and to ensure the post-pandemic world is more fair and equal for every child.  Visit unicef.org/ONE-LOVE for further information and to donate.  Every US$1 donated to ONE LOVE by the public will be matched by jewelry brand Pandora up to the value of US$1 million dollars. The new song and video are available now. Watch the Marley family’s video for the seminal song, "One Love" HERE. **The promotion is not directed to the residents of Alabama, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Mississippi, or South Carolina. Promotion ends on July 17, 2021.

In addition, the Marley Family is announcing the Wrangler® x Bob Marley collection that was created through a collaborative process with Wrangler in celebration of what would be the icon's 75th Birthday in 2020. The 11-piece collection launching Monday, July 27, features heavy reggae influences and revivals of Marley's favorite Wrangler styles, including one men's and one women's denim jacket, four men's and three women's tees, and two unisex lasered shirts. Wrangler has worked with the Marley family over the past year to design a unique collection that commemorates a music icon who has inspired generations of people through his commitment to fierce idealism and powerful songwriting. In celebration of the collaborative collection, Wrangler will donate $25,000 to The Bob Marley Foundation. The Bob Marley Foundation, is a Jamaican nonprofit organization focusing on Education, Music & Culture, Environmental Protection, and the health and well being of the Rastafarian community.  For more information, please visit: www.wrangler.com 

On July 31, the acclaimed 'Marley' documentary will be screening in virtual and select traditional cinemas worldwide. Directed by Oscar-winning Kevin Macdonald, the documentary features a combination of legendary music concerts, rare footage, and interviews with Bob Marley, Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Chris Blackwell and many more. Blue Fox Entertainment will release the film theatrically. For more information, please visit:
https://www.bluefoxentertainment.com/films/marley

Watch the official trailer to 'Marley' HERE.

Earlier this month in continued observance of the late and legendary Bob Marley's 75th Birthday, and in honor of the July 1 International Reggae Day celebrations, an official music video for Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry," was released. Directed by Kristian Mercado Figueroa and shot in Jamaica and New York City, the powerful visual explores two tales of a family divided by country but connected by their love and want for a better life for their children. We see a strong and loving Mother strive to look after her children in their homeland. At the same time, the father works tirelessly, isolated in New York City, working as a taxi driver to better provide for his family back home. The video shines a light on the importance of family and connection while confronting the genuine struggles many families face in the modern world, often forced apart due to poverty. The video for "No Woman No Cry" debuted on Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel. Watch HERE.

Lastly, SiriusXM continues with Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio on channel 42 through August 13. The limited-edition channel features the music of Bob Marley and his band The Wailers and highlights studio and live performances, widely popular songs, and rare tracks. Additionally, listeners will hear recordings from the Marley family as well as artists who are a part of the iconic brand and label founded by Bob Marley, Tuff Gong. Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio is available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category, internet-connected devices and smart speakers in your home. For more information on Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio, click HERE.

School of Rock's "AllStars" program partnered with Skip Marley to cover Bob Marley's anthem "Three Little Birds." It comes at a time when the world needs the reminder the most, that "...every little thing gonna be alright." The collaboration highlights the inspirational message of Bob's music combined with the hopes of the new generation - including Bob's own grandson, Skip. 

Watch the collaborative performance here.

School of Rock is the world's largest and most widespread music school, educating youth on all things music through hands-on experiences. School of Rock's "AllStars" are the school's top performance musicians, and due to social distancing, they virtually created this video performance from the comfort of their own homes.

“This video is meant to spread a message of positivity during a pivotal time of historic disruption,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. “Our AllStars, the very best School of Rock artists from around the world, typically tour across the United States each summer. But when COVID-19 disrupted those plans, we knew we needed to keep the music playing and inspire others with optimism. Having our students join Skip to record the music and vocal tracks of this iconic song is poignant, and reminiscent of how moving the message of Three Little Birds was when first released.”

At the end of the performance, students at School of Rock explain what this song means to them, especially during turbulent times such as these. "There is always hope, even in the darkest of times", and that,"better things will come in the future, and it's important to have faith in that." 

This cover of the iconic "Three Little Birds" comes during Bob Marley's 75th celebration - what would be the artist's 75th birthday year. His legacy lives on through his grandson Skip, who is now labelmates with his late grandfather on Island Records. On May 28th, Skip released his latest single, "No Love" and an accompanying lyric video here.

The video can be seen on School of Rock’s YouTube Channel.

School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaging learning environment for taking guitar lessons, drum lessons, bass lessons, keyboard lessons, and singing lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Frank Zappa. Thanks to the school's performance-based approach, students around the world have gained superior instrumental skills and confidence on the big stage, with some moving on to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway. 

For more information on School of Rock, please visit www.SchoolofRock.com

On the 100th anniversary of Charlie Parker’s birth – August 29, 2020 – it is impossible to imagine the evolution of jazz and modern music in general without the indelible influence of one of the most important Black American figures in history. Parker’s incomparable life and extraordinary, trailblazing career is being celebrated all year with a centennial celebration lovingly dubbed Bird 100, after the nickname of the preeminent alto saxophonist who was one of the fathers of bebop and progenitors of modern jazz. Leading up to Bird’s 100th birthday and throughout the year, the celebration will encompass a series of releases spanning a variety of media and perspectives in order to explore the full span of his inestimable legacy. In addition to enlightening new releases of Parker’s music and stunning vinyl reissues, it will also feature the first-ever graphic novel chronicling Parker’s life, a new animated video for one of his most beloved classics, a collection of scores for his immortal compositions, gorgeous canvas artwork culled from Parker’s visually striking album covers, and virtual events.

“The centennial of Charlie Parker is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate his life, legacy and art form with the world. We are thrilled to honor Bird's transformative musical impact on past, present and future generations,” said Jeff Jampol, CEO of JAM, Inc., the manager of the Estate of Charlie Parker.

This fall, Parker’s longtime label Verve Records, in conjunction with UMe, the global catalog company of Universal Music Group, will offer an illuminating new perspective on a previously underexamined chapter of Parker’s life with a new collection titled Bird In LA, featuring unreleased songs recorded during Bird’s storied visits to Los Angeles in the mid ‘40s through the early ‘50s.

“Few artists have made such an impact on the music of an era as Charlie Parker did in shaping the sounds of the 20th century. We are honored to be entrusted with his legacy as we continue to offer fans quality reissues of his remarkable work and explore new platforms for new fans to discover and appreciate his artistry,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO, UMe.

“Charlie Parker is one of the enduring icons of Verve Records. He is a peerless artist and his legacy is far-reaching. We are proud to celebrate his centennial with many different initiatives – from a graphic novel and incredible reissues, to new videos and live events – so that everyone can be reminded of the greatness of Bird,” said Jamie Krents, EVP of Verve/Impulse!

In conjunction with Bird In LA, Z2 Comics (Gorillaz, Grateful Dead, The Doors) will release the graphic novel, “Chasin’ The Bird: Charlie Parker In California,” which chronicles the story of Bird’s time in Los Angeles starting in December 1945, where Bird and Dizzy Gillespie brought frenetic sounds of bebop from the East Coast jazz underground to the West Coast for a two-month residency at Billy Berg’s Hollywood jazz club. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous two year-stint for Bird, bumming around LA, showing up at jam sessions, crashing on people’s couches, causing havoc in public places, and recording some of his most groundbreaking tracks such as, “A Night in Tunisia” and “Ornithology,” as well as “Relaxin’ At Camarillo,” inspired by the end of his time in SoCal at the Camarillo State Mental Hospital. The novel explores Bird’s relationship with the characters and events he encountered during his time in L.A., including recording some of his signature songs with Dial Records founder Ross Russell, a brief but influential stay at the home of famed jazz photographer William Claxton, a party for the ages at the ranch home of artist Jirayr Zorthian, and others who found themselves in the orbit of the jazz genius. Beautifully told by Dave Chisholm, colored by DreamWorks Animation Director Peter Markowski and featuring a foreword by Hall of Fame basketball legend and cultural icon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, “Chasin’ the Bird,” named for Parker’s 1947 standard, adapts one of the sunnier, albeit darker chapters in the life of Bird. The graphic novel is available for pre-order now directly through the Z2 webstore, as either a standard or a deluxe edition, with two tracks to be announced on a Flexidisc in the standard version and an accompanying 45” LP for the deluxe version when purchased exclusively via the store. Early reviews have been nothing short of glowing with Comic Bookcase hailing it as “One of the best graphic novels of the year.”

Bird In LA and “Chasin’ The Bird” will be the subject of a virtual panel hosted by the GRAMMY Museum® in Los Angeles in October. More details will be forthcoming.

Parker’s music will also enter the visual realm via a new video for his much beloved rendition of the Gershwins’ “Summertime” launching this month.

The August birthday festivities will kick off this Friday, August 7 with the vinyl reissue of The Magnificent Charlie Parker on black vinyl via Verve/UMe, following the limited release on yellow vinyl for Record Store Day Black Friday in November 2019 which launched Bird 100 last year. The sumptuous LP brings together all of Parker’s 78 RPM singles for Clef Records, recorded in January and August 1951 and featuring a veritable line-up of jazz greats including Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, and Kenny Clarke.

The first installment of this year’s “socially distanced” three-day Record Store Day extravaganza falls on Parker’s 100th birthday, August 29, and Bird aficionados will receive the gift of a reissue of Jazz at Midnite on midnight blue vinyl. The album documents stunning performances recorded live in 1952 and 1953 at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. featuring stellar band members Max Roach, Charlie Byrd, Zoot Sims and more.

Later in the year, Verve/UMe will release a vinyl box set of Parker’s complete Clef 10” albums featuring David Stone Martin’s iconic illustrated covers. Charlie Parker: The Clef 10” Albums Collection will include five extraordinary albums Parker recorded for Norman Granz’s Clef Records: Bird and Diz, Charlie Parker, Charlie Parker Plays South Of The Border, Charlie Parker With Strings and Charlie Parker With Strings (Vol. 2). The LPs will feature newly remastered audio from the original analog tapes and will include faithful reproductions of the classic artwork and packaging for the first time in more than six decades. The albums will be pressed on 180-gram black 10” vinyl and will be housed in a custom slipcase. Representing Bird’s fruitful late ‘40s to mid-50s Clef period, the albums have never been released together, and all but Bird and Diz have been out of print on vinyl since their original releases.

The cover art of several Parker album featuring David Stone Martin’s iconic illustrations are also now available for purchase as archival quality, framed canvas prints exclusively via uDiscover. The high-end wall art is customizable in a variety of sizes and includes the albums: Big Band, Machito Jazz With Flip & Bird, The Magnificent Charlie Parker, Charlie Parker With Strings and Charlie Parker With Strings (Vol. 2). For more information and to order, visit: https://ume.lnk.to/Bird100

The Savoy 10-inch Collection, highlighting Parker’s pioneering bebop recordings for Savoy Records from 1944-1948, will make its debut as a CD box set later this year. Previously released by Craft Recordings only on LP, the set features performances by jazz legends Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Lewis, Bud Powell, Max Roach and more. Pre-order here: https://found.ee/Parker-SavoyCollection-craft-j

For musicians wishing to investigate Parker’s music firsthand, Hal Leonard celebrates the 100th anniversary of Bird with the deluxe hardcover Charlie Parker: The Complete Scores book featuring note-for-note transcriptions of 40 classic performances for saxophones, trumpet, piano, bass, and drums. . The book comes packaged in a protective slip case making it an ideal keepsake for musicians as well as all Bird fans, featuring forty transcriptions from Parker’s exemplary studio recordings of tracks including “Anthropology,” “Billie’s Bounce (Bill’s Bounce),” “Blues for Alice,” “Ornithology,” and more. The book will be released on September 21 and is available now for pre-order via  https://www.halleonard.com/product/304599/charlie-parker--the-complete-scores?subsiteid=5

Many of the events planned to celebrate Parker have taken new forms. Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage's annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in NYC has shifted to a digital content series. Most recently this past weekend, drummer and historian Jerome Jennings hosted a Q&A session with the Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage and Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, Erika Elliott and co-founder of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Sam Turvey, where they discussed the history and relevance of the beloved festival in the New York culture scene as well as the legacy of Bird in his centennial year. The conversation can be viewed on the SummerStage YouTube channel along with programming from last month which includes a “Culture Talk” with Sheila Jordan and Christian McBride and a Q&A with jazz historian Ashley Khan and multi-instrumentalist and composer Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (view here) which proceeded a screening of his acclaimed 2012 Charlie Parker with Strings performance available to watch in full here

The annual Charlie Parker Event in Kansas City, Mo., which began in 2014, will also look a bit different this year and will include a mix of in-person and virtual events. Spotlight 2020: Charlie Parker, a citywide celebration of his life and music will take place through the month of August 2020 online and at various venues around Kansas City. KC Jazz ALIVE, University of Missouri-Kansas City, the American Jazz Museum, KC Bier Co, Kansas City Museum, Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and numerous other cultural and civic organizations have partnered to host jam sessions, tours, lectures, exhibits, panel discussions, poetry readings, workshops and concerts celebrating Charlie Parker—Kansas City’s native son. Visit https://spotlightcharlieparker.org/event-schedule/ for a full list of programming and events. In-person events will follow Kansas City, MO & CDC guidelines. Masks are required where six feet social distancing is not an option.

New York City’s nonprofit cultural and community center 92Y will mark Parker’s centennial with a multidisciplinary celebration featuring 24 hours of special events on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29. Conceived to highlight multiple facets of Parker's genius and its profound influence on jazz and beyond, Charlie Parker: Now’s the Time – Celebrating Bird at 100 includes a screening of Clint Eastwood’s award-winning biopic “Bird,” a conversation-with-music led by eminent journalist, jazz critic and Celebrating Bird author Gary Giddins featuring saxophone greats Joe Lovano, Charles McPherson, Grace Kelly and Antonio Hart, a listening party of essential Parker recordings, the premiere of a specially commissioned dance film directed and choreographed by former Alvin Ailey dancer Hope Boykin, an interdisciplinary visual arts event and more. To access all events, please visit 92Y.org/charlieparker

Yusuf/Cat Stevens has released “On The Road To Find Out," newly recorded and reimagined for the upcoming Tea for the Tillerman² album release, due September 18th via UMe in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the era-defining, multi-platinum selling album.

Inspired by a journey of self-discovery and personal transformation, the new arrangement presents a deeper reflective tone and stark contrast to the original acoustic-folk 1970 recording. As a hypnotic groove unfolds, Yusuf explores R&B’s African desert influences, as soulful guitar riffs and Hammond organ drive like a rambling caravan across an expansive, wide open sonic landscape.

Yusuf delivers a rich and gritty lead vocal in a lower register than some fans may be used to. His lyrics seem to carry more weight through the wisdom and worldly experience Yusuf has acquired since he began his metaphysical journey.

“On The Road To Find Out” was written following the battle with TB and lengthy recovery period that wiped out most of 1968 and ‘69 for Cat Stevens on a public and professional level. Privately, however, he had experimented with meditation and techniques of personal reflection through that period of spiritual evolution. The literature he was reading - most notably “The Secret Path” by Paul Brunton - sparked a passion for widening his range of learning.

Alongside his inner-conscience development, Cat’s transformation led to reshaping his musical direction which revealed itself in the stripped-down acoustic sound of his next two groundbreaking albums: Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman.

A striking visual collaboration between Yusuf and directors Kimberly Stuckwisch (Billie Eilish, Thundercat, MØ) and Melora Donoghue of Invisible Inc. is also released today.

The video for “On The Road To Find Out” is an allegory for humanity’s journey of self-discovery and the historical events, art, and music that have influenced life and culture. Stylistically, we are reminded of sci-fi classics such as “Star Wars,” “Dune” and even “Mad Max” with an added touch of magic realism. Our protagonist struggles to pull a boulder-like mass of artifacts that represent his ties to the material world through a desert landscape. The mass keeps growing until he discovers a small symbol of life in the wilderness - he is then able to discard the shackles of materialism and walk with his soul free and unburdened.

In keeping with the ecologically conscious approach to the recent “Where Do The Children Play?” visual, the production of “On The Road To Find Out” used all-natural light, no generators or electricity, and items from the boulder were donated for recycling. Watch here.

The new release of “On The Road To Find Out” offers a second glimpse into the reimagined Tea for the Tillerman², following “Where Do The Children Play?” - immortalized in a powerful new stop motion animated music video created by Chris Hopewell and Black Dog Films.

Originally intended as a celebratory token to mark the album’s 50th anniversary, the response to Yusuf’s Tea for the Tillerman² has been overwhelmingly welcoming. The idea of reimagining and rerecording the songs grew out of a discussion Yusuf had with his son, Yoriyos. The result speaks for itself. Paul Samwell-Smith was contacted and a week was booked at La Fabrique Studios in the South of France in the Summer of 2019, close to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works.

Most of the 11 songs were written by a young 20-year-old Cat Stevens in and around his native West End habitat, above his parents’ cafe, at the tail end of the swinging ‘60’s. Here they are sung and played after a lifetime of creative thinking and activism, producing a new bright and refreshing perspective. Fifty years on from their inception, the songs on T4TT² sonically resonate again, as loud today as ever. The album speaks anew of concern for the natural world and examines some of our most profound relationships, generation to generation, underpinned by a longing for spiritual union in an unpredictable and increasingly corporate monopolized world.]Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ life and career have seen him walk a boundless path and yet the central humanity of his message has remained consistent, radiating a warm lyrical lamplight on the musical search for peace and understanding between peoples, in harmony with the voice of nature. These vibrate not only through Yusuf’s music but can also be seen in his altruistic endeavors, such as his Peacetrain project.

Elton John celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his career-catapulting performance at the historic Troubadour, in Los Angeles, CA. On August 25, 1970, Elton took the stage for the first time in the United States, a gig that would quickly mark the beginning of his legendary career. Playing to a star-studded, packed house of 300 people, Elton was introduced by Neil Diamond before performing for the likes of  Quincy Jones, Peggy Lipton, Linda Ronstandt, Brian Wilson and Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Van Dyke Parks, Don Henley, Randy Newman, David Crosby, Leon Russell, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash. His set consisted of songs off his debut album, in addition to many unreleased tracks such as the timeless “Your Song,” from his then forthcoming eponymous album Elton John. The concert was highlighted by an extraordinary review from the Los Angeles Times’s music critic, Robert Hilburn, and has since been heralded as one of the greatest concerts of the rock era.

Also celebrating its 50th anniversary is the aforementioned, critically acclaimed debut album, Elton John. In celebration of this golden anniversary, a limited edition Record Store Day exclusive deluxe gatefold 2LP version of the record will be available on August 29, 2020. Pressed on transparent purple vinyl, the first disc features the 2016 remaster of the original album, while the second contains a selection of bonus tracks off the 2008 CD Deluxe Edition, never released on vinyl, as well as two previously unreleased demos of “Border Song” and “Bad Side Of The Moon.” On 30th October the original Elton John album will also be released as a limited-edition gatefold 1LP gold 180 gram vinyl edition with download code. 

Elton John will be available in the following formats:

Record Store Day 2LP Purple Vinyl Set

LP1 / SIDE A
1. Your Song
2. I Need You To Turn To
3. Take Me To The Pilot
4. No Shoe Strings On Louise
 5. First Episode At Hienton

LP1 / SIDE B
1. Sixty Years On
 2. Border Song
3. The Greatest Discovery
4. The Cage
 5. The King Must Die

LP2 / SIDE A
1. Your Song (Piano Demo)
2. I Need You To Turn To (Piano Demo)
3. Take Me To The Pilot (Piano Demo)
4. Sixty Years On (Piano Demo)
5. Border Song (Piano Demo)
6. Bad Side Of The Moon (Piano Demo)

LP2 / SIDE B
1. Thank You Mama (Piano Demo)
2. All The Way Down To El Paso (Piano Demo)
3. I’m Going Home (Piano Demo)
4. Bad Side Of The Moon
5. Grey Seal
6. Rock And Roll Madonna

Limited Edition 1LP Gold Vinyl Set

LP1 / SIDE A
1. Your Song
2. I Need You To Turn To
3. Take Me To The Pilot
4. No Shoe Strings On Louise
 5. First Episode At Hienton

LP1 / SIDE B
1. Sixty Years On
2. Border Song
3. The Greatest Discovery
4. The Cage
5. The King Must Die

In everything he did, John Lennon spoke his truth and questioned the truth. An incomparable and uncompromising artist who strove for honesty and directness in his music, he laid bare his heart, mind and soul in his songs, seeing them as snapshots of his current emotions, thoughts and world view. Believing the one quality demanded of himself as an artist was to be completely honest, he did not disguise what he had to say or conform his messages to be more in line with what he felt others thought they should be. Love, heartbreak, peace, politics, truth, lies, the media, racism, feminism, religion, mental well-being, marriage, fatherhood – he sang about it all, and one just needs to listen to the songs of John Lennon to know how he felt, what he cherished, what he believed in, and what he stood for.

On October 9th, 2020, Lennon’s 80th birthday, in celebration of his remarkable life, a collection of some of the most vital and best-loved songs from his solo career will be released via Capitol/UMe as a suite of beautifully presented collections, titled GIMME SOME TRUTH. THE ULTIMATE MIXES.

Executive Produced by Yoko Ono Lennon and Produced by Sean Ono Lennon, these thirty-six songs, handpicked by Yoko and Sean, have all been completely remixed from scratch, radically upgrading their sonic quality and presenting them as a never-before-heard Ultimate Listening Experience.

Mixed and engineered by multi GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks, who also helmed the mixes for 2018’s universally acclaimed Imagine – The Ultimate Collection series, with assistance by engineer Sam Gannon who also worked on that release, the songs were completely remixed from scratch, using brand new transfers of the original multi-tracks, cleaned up to the highest possible sonic quality. After weeks of painstaking preparation, the final mixes and effects were completed using only vintage analog equipment and effects at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, and then mastered in analog at Abbey Road Studios by Alex Wharton in order to ensure the most beautiful and authentic sound quality possible.

GIMME SOME TRUTH. named for Lennon’s 1971 excoriating rebuke of deceptive politicians, hypocrisy and war, a sentiment as relevant as ever in our post-truth era of fake news, will be available in a variety of formats including as a Deluxe Edition Box Set that offers several different ways to listen to this engrossing 36-track collection with stunning new mixes across two CDs alongside a Blu-ray audio disc containing the Ultimate Mixes in Studio Quality 24 bit/96 kHz HD Stereo, immersive 5.1 Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos.

“John was a brilliant man with a great sense of humour and understanding,” writes Yoko Ono Lennon in the preface of the book included in the Deluxe Edition. “He believed in being truthful and that the power of the people will change the world. And it will. All of us have the responsibility to visualize a better world for ourselves and our children. The truth is what we create. It’s in our hands.”

The 124-page book included in the Deluxe Edition has been designed and edited by Simon Hilton, the Compilation Producer and Production Manager of the Ultimate Collection series. The book tells the story of all thirty-six songs in John & Yoko’s words and the words of those who worked alongside them, through archival and brand-new interviews, accompanied by hundreds of previously unseen photographs, Polaroids, movie still frames, letters, lyric sheets, tape boxes, artworks and memorabilia from the Lennon-Ono archives.

GIMME SOME TRUTH. will also be released as a 19-track CD or 2LP, a 36-track 2CD or 4 LP, and several digital versions for download and streaming including in 24 bit/96 kHz audio and hi-res Dolby Atmos. The vinyl was cut by mastering engineer Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios. The Deluxe Edition and 4LP formats will include a GIMME SOME TRUTH. bumper sticker, a two-sided poster of Lennon printed in black and white with silver and gold metallics, and two postcards, one of which is a replica of Lennon’s letter to the Queen of England in 1969 when he returned his MBE in “protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigerian-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and Cold Turkey slipping down the charts.” The 2LP and 2CD will also include the poster and all versions will come with a booklet filled with photos and the MBE letter.

The album cover features a rarely-seen striking black and white profile portrait of John Lennon, taken on the day John returned his MBE. The album cover, CD and LP booklets and typographic artworks were designed by Jonathan Barnbrook who created the covers for David Bowie’s albums Heathen, Reality and The Next Day and won a GRAMMY® Award for the packaging of Bowie’s Black Star album.

GIMME SOME TRUTH. traces the arc of Lennon’s post-Beatles life and career, bringing together songs from all of his revered solo albums including John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970), Imagine (1971), Some Time In New York City (1972), Mind Games (1973), Walls and Bridges (1974), Rock ‘n’ Roll (1975), Double Fantasy (1980) and 1984’s posthumous Milk and Honey. The collection is bookended with his early non-album singles, kicking off with the one-two punch of “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On),” Lennon’s exuberant exhortation about the karmic forces of action/reaction and equality (“we all shine on like the moon and the stars and the sun”), and the electrifying addiction-themed “Cold Turkey,” and culminating with the holiday classic “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and the anti-war protest anthem “Give Peace A Chance,” with its ubiquitous, titular call to action: “All we are saying is Give Peace A Chance.”

Sequenced in chronological order by album they were released on, songs on the 36-track version include all of Lennon’s biggest hits and showcase his thoughts, beliefs and convictions about everything from peace (“Imagine,” “Give Peace A Chance,” “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”), religion (“God”), politics (“Power To The People,” “Working Class Hero”), lying politicians (“Gimme Some Truth”), racism (“Angela”), equality (“Woman”), love and marriage (“Love,” “Oh Yoko!,” “Dear Yoko,” “Mind Games,” “Out The Blue,” “Every Man Has A Woman Who Loves Him,” “Grow Old With Me”), fatherhood (“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)”), loneliness (“Isolation”) and much more. Some of the many other highlights include the sonically sumptuous “Jealous Guy” and “#9 Dream,” the acerbic “How Do You Sleep?,” the breezy, carefree “Watching The Wheels,” a rollicking live recording of “Come Together” that he had originally recorded with The Beatles, the rapturous Elton John collaboration “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night,” and the jubilant, bittersweet “I’m Stepping Out.”

Like all Lennon projects, intense thought and care went into the making of GIMME SOME TRUTH and the remixing of these treasured songs. As Paul Hicks details in the Deluxe Edition book: “Yoko is very keen that in making The Ultimate Mixes series we achieve three things: remain faithful and respectful to the originals, ensure that the sound is generally sonically clearer overall, and increase the clarity of John’s vocals. ‘It’s about John,’ she says. And she is right. His voice brings the biggest emotional impact to the songs.” Hicks continues, “The combination of remixing from all the original first-generation multitrack sources and finishing in analogue has brought a whole new level of magic, warmth and clarity to the sound, along with a more detailed dynamic range and sound stage, and we really hope you enjoy the results.”

The results speak for themselves and allow Lennon’s voice and words to shine on, clearer and brighter, at a time when they are needed now, more than ever. When listened to in sequence, GIMME SOME TRUTH. THE ULTIMATE MIXES. plays both like one of the greatest-ever live Lennon concerts and an emotional telling of his life story, from just after the breakup of The Beatles, to falling in love and marrying Yoko, his peace activism, personal soul-searching, inspiration, celebration, confusion, reunion, fatherhood, his five-year break from music while raising Sean, and his triumphant return into the ‘80s with two new albums.

Throughout these incredible, timeless songs we experience the many facets of John Lennon: the songwriter, the revolutionary, the musician, the husband, the truth-teller, the dad, the provocateur, the peace activist, the artist, the icon.

ABOUT JOHN LENNON
John Lennon is arguably the greatest songwriter of his generation. Lennon has won seven GRAMMY® Awards, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards, and two special BRIT Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Music. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has a star on the Walk of Fame. In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked Lennon in the Top 5 of the magazine’s “100 Greatest Singers Of All Time” list.

JOHN LENNON.
GIMME SOME TRUTH.
THE ULTIMATE MIXES.

Preorder: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/GIMMESOMETRUTH

INSTANT KARMA!
(WE ALL SHINE ON).
(ULTIMATE MIX).

Stream: http://johnlennon.lnk.to/InstantKarma

On the day of Charlie “Bird” Parker’s 100th birthday, it is impossible to overstate the impact and influence that the legendary jazz icon has had on music and culture. Born on August 29th, 1920, in Kansas City, Kansas, Parker is simply one of the most important Black American figures in history, a towering musical genius who blazed his own path as a pioneering musician and composer, altering the course of music forever.

65 years after his untimely passing in 1955 at just 34 years old, as the expression goes – Bird Lives! And none more than in his immortal compositions that continue to influence generations and can be heard in music from today’s visionaries, ranging from the envelope pushing hip-hop of Kendrick Lamar to the sprawling, celestial jazz of Kamasi Washington. There’s no better way to celebrate Parker and his centennial than by listening to some of his most revered and timeless performances like “Ko Ko,” “Ornithology,” “Summertime,” “Relaxin’ At The Camarillo,” “Just Friends” and “A Night In Tunisia” and many more all weekend long. Head over to https://stream.lnk.to/CharlieParker to stream his music now.

All this week, some of Bird’s most famous fans such as Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Jon Batiste, Christian McBride and Jeff Goldblum, and others, have been honoring him with video tributes on the Official Charlie Parker YouTube Channel. Today, President Bill Clinton has provided a heartfelt salute about his fellow alto saxophonist who he remarks, “left this world far too young but his spirit survives through the beauty, the power, the genius, of his music. It sounds and feels as young today as when he first played it and when I first heard it.” To check out a playlist of all the videos, visit: https://www.youtube.com/charlieparkerofficial

Fans are encouraged to create their own birthday tributes to Parker with a post or video on their socials using the hashtag #Bird100 to share a happy birthday message, their thoughts on Parker at 100, a musical performance of one of his songs or any other way they’d like to show their love and admiration for Bird.

If jazz history can be divided into two epochs — danceable swing and improvisational bebop — then Parker is the fault line. During his all too short but remarkable career, the alto saxophonist nicknamed “Bird” gave jazz lightning tempos, mind-bending chord substitutions, and previously unexplored harmonic depth, paving the way for hard bop, free jazz, fusion and everything after. Miles Davis summed up his accomplishments: “You can tell the history of jazz in four words. Louis Armstrong. Charlie Parker.” Parker was a meteoric musician that burned bright and much too quick. But his legacy more than lives on; it’s jazz scripture.

Jack Kerouac called him “as important as Beethoven.” Four of his recordings were inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame including albums Charlie Parker With Strings and Jazz At Massey Hall and the songs “Ornithology” and “Billie’s Bounce.” In 1974, he was awarded a posthumous GRAMMY® for Best Performance By A Soloist for “First Recordings.” In 1988, the Clint Eastwood-directed biopic “Bird” brought his story to the silver screen. The U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in his honor in 1995. The Parker composition “Ko Ko” was included in the National Recorded Registry in 2002, declaring the song as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform(s) or reflect(s) life in the United States.” Although his life and career were short, the New Yorker has praised Parker as “one of the wonders of twentieth-century music” and the New York Times deemed him “matchless” and a “bebop exemplar.”

BIRD IS THE WORD

QUOTES ABOUT AND FROM CHARLIE PARKER

“You can tell the history of jazz in four words: Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker.” – Miles Davis

“If Charlie Parker were a gunslinger, there'd be a whole lot of dead copycats.” – Charles Mingus

“I believe that a hundred years from now, when people look back at the 20th century, they will view Bird, Miles and Dizzy as our Mozart, Bach, Chopin and Tchaikovsky.” – Quincy Jones

"Musically as important as Beethoven.” – Jack Kerouac

“In the 34 years of his life, Charlie Parker changed the future of jazz. He was a huge influence on me and I can’t thank him enough for the great contributions that he has made to the jazz scene and consequently to life itself.” – Herbie Hancock

"Bird left this world far too young but his spirit survives through the beauty, the power, the genius, of his music. It sounds and feels as young today as when he first played it and when I first heard it. When I was young, I listened over and over to his solos – breaking old patterns, building something new – 60 years later I'm still in awe of him and I wish I could have played half as well." – President Bill Clinton

“When I did 'Bird,' it was a surprise to some people, first because I wasn't in it and second because most of the films I'd been doing were cop movies or westerns or adventure films, so to be doing one about Charlie Parker, who was a great influence on American music, was a great thrill for me.” – Clint Eastwood

“I listened to Charlie Parker, at a very young age, I was just drawn to it.” – Zack de la Rocha

“The real punk rock in America is bebop.” – Henry Rollins

"I love John Coltrane. I love Charlie Parker. Before I tapped my own voice in music, their voices inspired me." – Kamasi Washington

“I can always listen to Django Reinhardt and hear something I haven't heard before. I like to listen to Art Tatum and Coltrane and Charlie Parker. Those are guys who never seem to run out of ideas.” – Jerry Garcia

“Whenever I'm in Kansas City, I think back to all the jazz-blues greats who played the blues here - like Count Basie, Charlie Parker and Jay McShann. I watched those guys jam in different places and heard a lot of things - but I couldn't do what they did. They were too good.” – B.B. King

“As a very small girl, I listened to Charlie Parker and loved him and Max Roach and people like that.” – Aretha Franklin

“I didn't know what the hell Charlie Parker was playing... I just liked the way he played.” – Charlie Watts

“Mozart was born Mozart. Charlie Parker was born Charlie Parker.” – Damien Chazelle

“Charlie Parker. The greatest of all time.” – Jeff Goldblum

“You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.” – Charlie Parker

“Don't play the saxophone, let the saxophone play you.” – Charlie Parker

Another prized jewel in the Rolling Stones’ unmatched catalog, 1973 classic Goats Head Soup, restored to its full glory and more, is released in multi-format and deluxe editions today, September 4. The album is available now in multiple configurations, including four-disc CD and vinyl box set editions with a treasure trove of unreleased studio and live material, as well as across all streaming and download services.

Listen to Goats Head Soup 2020 here

The reissue follows the unveiling of never before released “Criss Cross” on July 9 and the highly anticipated release of previously unheard track “Scarlet,” a holy grail for any Stones devotee, on July 22. Long-lost “Scarlet,” recorded in October 1974, features Jimmy Page and Rick Grech alongside Mick and Keith. The track, which is as infectious and raunchy as anything the band cut in this hallowed era, has been hailed as “a phenomenal piece of rock history,” while shooting straight onto the A-List at Planet Rock and already spending more than four weeks on the BBC Radio 2 playlist following last month’s release.

A third, newly unveiled song, “All The Rage,” which has a wild post-“Brown Sugar” strut and which, in the words of MOJO, “flat out rocks,” is released today. “All The Rage” is out now, listen here.

All three newly unveiled tracks are featured on the box sets and deluxe CD and vinyl editions of Goats Head Soup, alongside many more rarities, outtakes and alternative mixes, shedding new light on tracks such as “100 Years Ago,” praised by UNCUT as “genuinely striking,” and “Hide Your Love,” with further unissued mixes by Stones insider and acclaimed producer Glyn Johns.

The box set editions of Goats Head Soup also include Brussels Affair, the 15-track live album recorded in a memorable show in Belgium, on the autumn 1973 tour that followed the album's late August release. This much-sought-after disc, mixed by Bob Clearmountain, was previously available only in the Rolling Stones' “official bootleg” series of live recordings in 2012.

Additionally, the CD and vinyl box sets offer the original ten-track album in 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res mixes, along with the videos for “Dancing With Mr. D,” “Silver Train” and “Angie.” An exclusive 120-page book, available with the Super Deluxe Boxset, features a remarkable array of photographs, essays by writers Ian McCann, Nick Kent and Daryl Easlea and faithful reproductions of four tour posters from 1973.

Their 11th U.K. studio album, recorded in Jamaica, Los Angeles and London as their last collaboration with producer Jimmy Miller, Goats Head Soup came in the wake of the Stones' landmark 1972 double album Exile On Main St. The new set was introduced by the single that became one of their most exalted ballads, the endlessly elegant “Angie,” completed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards during a songwriting sojourn in Switzerland. The timeless love song, showcasing Jagger's yearning lead vocal and Nicky Hopkins' beautiful piano motif, topped the charts in the U.S., where it was certified platinum, and went to No. 1 across Europe, Australia and beyond.

The many other highlights of the album included the majestically brooding opener “Dancing With Mr. D,” the lithely strutting “100 Years Ago” and “Star Star,” the graceful “Winter” and the exhilaratingly funky, horn-filled “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker),” featuring Mick Taylor's wah-wah lead guitar. Richards' rueful lead vocal on “Coming Down Again” featured another Stones stalwart, saxophonist Bobby Keys.

As titled by Clash, 1973’s Goats Head Soup is “a unique album, one that arguably stands as one of their best.” Forty-seven years on, the expanded reissues of Goats Head Soup prove that's still true, and then some.

Island Records, Interscope, and UMe today announce the 20th Anniversary reissue of U2's global smash hit album All That You Can't Leave Behind. This multi-format anniversary edition release, featuring a brand new 12-track remaster of the record, and a 51-track Super Deluxe box set is to be released on the actual date of the 20th anniversary, October 30, 2020.

The anniversary also sees the release of an acoustic version of "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of." Watch brand new lyric video HERE.

All That You Can't Leave Behind is the tenth studio album from U2. Released in October 2000, the original 11-track record included the hit singles "Beautiful Day," "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of," "Elevation" and "Walk On" and went to Number 1 in 32 countries around the world. Produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno and recorded in Dublin and France, All That You Can't Leave Behind won 7 Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album, and is the only album in history to have multiple tracks win the award for Record Of The Year ("Beautiful Day" in 2001 and "Walk On" in 2002).

The brand new remaster of the album is available as a 12-track version and includes an additional track "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" in all formats of the reissue.

Super Deluxe Box Set highlights include:

a 32-page hardback book from longtime friend and collaborator Anton Corbijn featuring many previously unseen images of the band along with hand-written notes by Anton, plus a double-sided poster. 

39 additional bonus tracks, including remastered B-sides ("Summer Rain," "Always," "Big Girls Are Best," "Don't Take Your Guns To Town").

out-takes from the album sessions ("Levitate," "Love You Like Mad," "Flower Child"), as well as the track "Stateless" which featured on The Million Dollar Hotel soundtrack; plus an acoustic version of "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of."

the complete 19-track live audio of the band's Elevation Tour performance, recorded at the Fleet Center, Boston, Massachusetts in June 2001. The set includes 7 tracks from All That You Can't Leave Behind.

a collection of 11 remixes which features four previously unheard versions recently unearthed in the band's Dublin archives: "Walk On (Wyclef Jean Remix)," "New York (Carnegie's Deli Mix)," "New York (Superman Kicks Ativan Mix)" and "When I Look At The World (Picante Remix)."

Remastered Album Tracklisting:

Beautiful Day

Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of

Elevation

Walk On

Kite

In A Little While

Wild Honey

Peace On Earth

When I Look At The World

New York

Grace

The Ground Beneath Her Feet

All That You Can't Leave Behind is available on Standard, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe in CD, Vinyl, and Digital versions. Out October 30, pre-order HERE.

For tracklistings and details of content on Deluxe and Super Deluxe formats, visit U2.com

Verve Label Group and UMe, the global catalog company of Universal Music Group, today announced the release of the first-ever official music video for Louis Armstrong’s beloved hit song, “What A Wonderful World.” Originally released in 1967 on ABC Records, Armstrong’s enduring classic is the top streaming jazz track for Verve and across Universal Music Group, with more than 1.1 billion streams across leading global streaming services.

The video celebrates the beauty of the natural world, human imagination, ingenuity, and as Armstrong said, “love, baby, love.” Created by UMe’s content team and animation studio Springtime Jellyfish, the video features handcrafted sets and the tactile quality of stop-motion animation. Every detail in the video – from trees of green, to red roses, to skies of blue – was painstakingly created by hand. Watch it here:

Written by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele, the legendary executive and producer for Impulse! Records, “What A Wonderful World” was recorded by beloved trumpeter and singer Armstrong in 1967 following a period of intense unrest across the U.S., including race riots and anti-war protests across the country. The song was written to try to heal a divided country, in the hope that its upbeat, optimistic message might help to quell some of the country’s racial and political unrest. As Thiele stated, “We wanted this immortal musician and performer to say, as only he could, the world really is great: full of the love and sharing people make possible for themselves and each other every day.”

In 1970, Armstrong revisited “What a Wonderful World” for the album Louis Armstrong and His Friends and, in his spoken word introduction, addressed complaints about the apparent disconnect between the song’s upbeat tone and the state of the world:

“Some of you young folks been saying to me, ‘Hey Pops, what you mean ‘what a wonderful world’? How about all them wars all over the place? You call them wonderful? And how about hunger and pollution? That ain’t so wonderful either.’ Well how about listening to old Pops for a minute? Seems to me, it ain’t the world that’s so bad but what we’re doin’ to it. And all I'm saying is see what a wonderful world it would be if only we’d give it a chance. Love, baby, love. That's the secret, yeah. If lots more of us loved each other we’d solve lots more problems.”

Released in 1967 as a single on ABC Records, which is now part of Verve’s catalog, “What A Wonderful World” was not initially a hit in America, as the marketing and release were sabotaged by ABC Records head Larry Newton who was upset with Thiel for recording the song which he didn’t like. Armstrong promoted it by performing it at shows and on TV but despite his efforts it would go on to only sell less than 1,000 copies. However, overseas the song was a massive #1 hit, topping the UK charts for 13 consecutive weeks in 1968 and also becoming a hit in countries across Europe and South Africa.

The song remained nearly forgotten until 1987 when it was featured in the film “Good Morning Vietnam,” where it served as the musical contrast to images depicting violence and the atrocities of war, beginning a trend of using the song ironically in TV and film as cultural commentary. Nearly two decades after it was released, the song experienced newfound popularity when it was re-released as a single that subsequently roared up the charts to #33 on the Billboard Hot 100. Ever since, it has been used in countless TV shows, commercials and films and become Armstrong’s most popular recording. “What A Wonderful World” was inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame in 1999.

“Louis Armstrong created a timeless masterpiece that has resonated around the world since its original release,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO, UMe. “That fact has been reaffirmed with it being the #1 streaming and downloaded track in Verve history. We are honored to expand his reach to new generations by providing new ways to experience his message.”

Jamie Krents, EVP Verve/Impulse! said, “Louis Armstrong single-handedly changed the face of popular music and jazz with recordings like ‘What a Wonderful World.’ It is a great honor for Verve to work with the UMe team to craft a video befitting that iconic song’s positive message and beauty."

Released in honor of Armstrong’s birthday (August 4, 1901), the official music video premiered on Facebook and has already racked up more than 5 million views.

Brian Eno releases Film Music 1976 – 2020 – his first-ever collection of music from his film and television soundtrack oeuvre digitally on November 13, 2020, and on 2LP and 1CD on January 22, 2021. Spanning five decades, this release features classic Eno compositions and includes some lesser-known gems and seven previously unreleased tracks.

Eno’s long-standing affair with film goes all the way back to 1970 with his soundtrack to Malcolm Le Grice’s short experimental film Berlin Horse. In 1976 he followed this with Sebastiane and a long-forgotten Greek b-horror film, Land Of The Minotaur AKA The Devil’s Men. This led to an unstoppable momentum largely initiated by the release of Music For Films. Early classic Eno film moments include “Prophecy Theme” from David Lynch’s Dune, “From The Beginning” from Dario Argento’s Opera, “Force Marker” and “Late Evening In Jersey” from Michael Mann’s Heat, “Under” from Ralph Bakshi’s Cool World and his moving cover of William Bell’s soul classic, “You Don’t Miss Your Water,” in Jonathan Demme’s Married to The Mob.

His 1978 studio album, Music For Films was a loose compilation of material recorded between 1975 ~ 1978. It was intended as a conceptual soundtrack for imaginary films, and only the last track, “Final Sunset” was written for an actual film. It proved to be a fruitful project with nearly every piece on the album going on to be used in future films, including several of Derek Jarman’s, the remake of Jean-Luc Goddard’s Breathless, John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School and Todd Hayes’ Safe.

Eno again explored this approach with U2 as Passengers on their collaboration album, Original Soundtracks 1. Four of the tracks from the album were used in films prior to release: “Beach Sequence” and “Your Blue Room” in Michelangelo Antonioni’s Beyond the Clouds, “Miss Sarajevo” in an eponymous documentary about a beauty pageant held in the midst of besieged ‘93 Sarajevo, and “One Minute Warning” in Mamoru Oshii’s Japanese animation classic, Ghost in the Shell. Another track, “Always Forever Now” later appeared in Heat.

In the mid-seventies, Eno began a rich and rewarding collaboration with British filmmaker Derek Jarman, who initially commissioned Eno to record ”Final Sunset” for the closing scene to his first feature film, Sebastiane. The collaboration continued all the way through until Jarman’s untimely death in 1994. Including the several tracks in Sebastiane, this collaboration resulted in Eno’s music in four of Jarman’s films, including “Still Water” and “Dover Beach” in Jubilee, “Blue” and the entire score of the autobiographical Glitterbug – his final film.

“An Ending (Ascent)” and “Deep Blue Day” are taken from Apollo: Atmosphere & Soundtracks, Eno’s collaboration with his brother Roger and Daniel Lanois. The music was originally written for Al Reinert’s landmark documentary of the Apollo moon landing, For All Mankind, although since then, “”An Ending (Ascent)” has taken on a life of its own and is now remembered just as much from Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic, Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and Miguel Arteta’s Beatriz at Dinner. It even made an appearance in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. And then there’s “Deep Blue Day,” which will forever be identified with Ewan McGregor’s legendary toilet dive in Trainspotting.

Aside from Glitterbug and For All Mankind, Eno has also provided complete scores for a number of other films including Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones, and more recently, Henrique Goldman’s atmospheric Brazilian serial killer biopic, O Nome da Morte AKA A Man Called Death, Slavoj Žižek’s mind-boggling documentary, The Pervert’s Guide To Cinema, Gary Hustwit’s spotlight on pioneering industrial designer Dieters Rams, Rams, and most recently a documentary film on close long-time friend and associate, Stewart Brand, We Are As Gods, which will have its public premiere in early 2021.

Eno has also scored extensively for television, including all three series of award-winning UK crime drama Top Boy, for which he received a BAFTA Award.  Danny Boyle’s Mr. Wroe’s Virgins, which also earned Eno and his brother Roger a BAFTA nomination for “Best Original Television Music.” Other television credits include his scores to BBC Natural World’s Hammerhead, Francis Bacon’s Arena, Neil Gaiman’s futuristic urban series, Neverwhere, and Stewart Brand’s BBC mini-series ‘How Buildings Learn’.

Eno has had hundreds of pieces of his music used in films, documentaries, and television programs, including more than 20 complete scores for some of the best-known directors in the world. Film Music 1976 ~ 2020 is a long-awaited album that finally brings together seventeen of his most recognizable film and television compositions, a perfect introduction to this enormous body of work.

Film Music 1976 ~ 2020 Track-list:

“Top Boy (Theme)” from Top Boy - Series 1, directed by Yann Demange, 2011

“Ship In A Bottle” from The Lovely Bones, directed by Peter Jackson, 2009

“Blood Red” from Francis Bacon’s Arena, directed by Adam Low, 2005

“Under” from Cool World, directed by Ralph Bakshi, 1992

“Decline And Fall” from O Nome da Morte, directed by Henrique Goldman, 2017

“Prophecy Theme” from Dune, directed by David Lynch, 1984

“Reasonable Question” from We Are As Gods, directed by David Alvarado / Jason Sussberg, 2020

“Late Evening In Jersey” from Heat, directed by Michael Mann, 1995

“Beach Sequence” from Beyond The Clouds, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, 1995

“You Don’t Miss Your Water” from Married to the Mob, directed by Jonathan Demme, 1988

“Deep Blue Day” from Trainspotting, directed by Danny Boyle, 1996

“The Sombre” from Top Boy - Series 2, directed by Jonathan van Tulleken, 2013

“Dover Beach” from Jubilee, directed by Derek Jarman, 1978

“Design as Reduction” from Rams, directed by Gary Hustwit, 2018

“Undersea Steps” from Hammerhead, directed by George Chan, 2004

“Final Sunset” from Sebastiane, directed by Derek Jarman, 1976

“An Ending (Ascent)” from For All Mankind, directed by Al Reinert, 1989

Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ incredible reimagining Tea for the Tillerman² is released today via UMe. The album, which includes previously released singles “Where Do The Children Play?,” “On The Road To Find Out” and latest release “Father And Son,” is already receiving critical acclaim across the globe. Mojo confirms that there is "tangible conceptual integrity across these beefier, richly detailed new versions,” and the album is described as “a powerful way to track the passing of time" by the NME. Rolling Stone enthused, “The new renditions of the 11 Tea for the Tillerman tracks are not note-for-note recreations. In many cases, they are lusher than the sparse originals and some take surprising left turns, like a funkafied ‘Longer Boats’ featuring guest vocals from rapper Brother Ali. ‘Wild World,’ meanwhile, now sounds almost like a waltz. That said, Yusuf worked hard to maintain the same spirit of the originals.” Billboard exclaimed, “The reinvention upends many of the familiar arrangements, while staying blessedly true to the mission of the album—to explore life and oneself fearlessly” while Forbes hailed it as “a fascinating project.” American Songwriter declared, “the unmistakable, rich, booming voice of Yusuf / Cat Stevens is in fantastic form.” In a recent career-spanning profile, CBS Sunday Morning remarked about Yusuf’s timeless song “Father and Son,” stating, “In the achingly pointing conversation between father and son, the tracks were recorded 50 years apart,  and both versions are perfect in their own way.” Watch the profile here.

Stream and purchase the album here.

In 1970 Cat Stevens released Tea for the Tillerman, a musical masterpiece that is widely lauded as one of the greatest albums of all time. 50 years on and Yusuf / Cat Stevens, as he is now known, has reimagined the album for a whole new age. The result, Tea for the Tillerman2, is a loving tribute to the original recording and demonstrates how the songs are able to transcend their own time and stay relevant in an ever-changing and increasingly wild world.

The new album was recorded at Studio La Fabrique in the French Provençal countryside near to where Yusuf’s favorite artist, Vincent Van Gogh, painted many of his most beloved works. The sun bleached stones of the large farmhouse turned studio were bathed in the same hazy late-summer golden light that inspired the Dutch master as Yusuf drew from his vivid sonic pallet, conjuring images and moods to once again enrich the experience of his millions of fans worldwide.

For the recording of Tea for the Tillerman² Yusuf was rejoined by producer Paul Samwell- Smith and guitarist Alun Davies, who were both present the first-time round. The team was completed by veteran session men Jim Cregan and Peter Vettese as well as Kwame Yeboah and Eric Appapoulay, mainstays of Yusuf’s live band for the last decade. The atmosphere was charged with a palpable electricity as one-by-one the classic songs were lovingly revisited like deeply cherished memories. Yusuf was in a confident mood and fine form as he decisively directed the ensemble towards his clear and defined vision. Some songs have been re-envisioned through a contemporary lens and others are total departures from the originals such as the desert blues version of “On The Road To Find Out” - watch a striking visual collaboration between Yusuf and directors Kimberly Stuckwisch (Billie Eilish, Thundercat, MØ) and Melora Donoghue of Invisible Inc here - or the Argentine tango twist that has been put upon “Wild World.”

Perhaps the jewel in the crown is the new “Father and Son” that sees Yusuf duetting with his 21-year-old self. Yusuf now sings the father’s role while the son’s part comes from a 1970 recording made at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles. The effect of one man’s experiences, separated by half a century, united in song is deeply moving and brings a whole new level of meaning to the perennial favorite. The track is accompanied by a stunning stop-frame animated video from acclaimed director Chris Hopewell and Black Dog Films.

Indeed, the reworking of all of the songs only serves to illuminate the vast array of subtleties and nuances that are one of the reasons that they can be listened to again and again.

Yusuf has updated the album’s iconic artwork that he himself penned, using a flair for drawing that predates even his interest in music. Day has turned to night and the Tillerman now wears a space suit, simultaneously reflecting the distance travelled on his journey over the last half-century and the growing need for protection from the world’s deteriorating air quality. Timmy and Grady, the two boys playing in the adjacent tree, are now engrossed in their mobile phones and headphones, warning of how with all its new forms of connectivity, technology threatens to compromise our true human connections. Despite the world being a darker and more unforgiving place, the Tillerman calmly sips his beloved tea. Ever the optimist, he continues to await that happy day spoken of in the album’s title track.

The enduring success of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ musical legacy is built on a myriad of factors but key among them is the uncanny ability he has to translate his vibrant imagination into musical form. Tea for the Tillerman is arguably the most effective and endearing example of this process with its fully developed creative landscape inhabited by compelling three- dimensional characters. These become the means for Yusuf / Cat Stevens to impart wisdom and insights that were certainly beyond his young years in 1970 and, even now, seem to stand out as remarkably well-attuned to our complex and delicate world. The shockingly prescient “Where Do The Children Play?” alone could have been written as a reaction to the dire ecological crisis facing us right now, with the 2020 reimagined version now matched by a deeply moving music video made in collaboration with Chris Hopewell and Black Dog Films, exploring the possibilities of waste-free music video production.

Elsewhere “Miles From Nowhere” and “On The Road To Find Out” document the search for meaning and thirst for adventure that will always be rites of passage for an eager soul. These are modern folk tales that will resonate with any open and receptive spirit and Yusuf is our humble yet expert storyteller, they are allegories for ours and all times. Ultimately, it’s the universality of the album’s underlying message of love and peace combined with its undeniable artistic brilliance that cements Tillerman’s place in history. It has already carved an indelible mark in the bedrock of popular culture and with this new version we are invited to once again witness its magic and mysteries by an artist who has spent the intervening 50 years fearlessly challenging the limits of his own understanding and insight.

On November 20, UMe will release an updated version of The Best Of Bond…James Bond, a digital, 2CD and 3LP black vinyl compilation featuring celebrated theme songs from the longest-running film franchise. In addition, a limited-edition gold vinyl will be available exclusively via uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl. The new collection will include “No Time To Die” by Billie Eilish from No Time To Die, the 25th film in the series*. Also now included will be Adele’s “Skyfall” from Skyfall, the highest-grossing Bond film to date, and Sam Smith’s Spectre theme, “Writing’s On the Wall,” – Oscar® winners for Best Song in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Preorder The Best Of Bond…James Bond here: https://lnk.to/TheBestOfBondPR

In addition to Billie Eilish, Adele and Sam Smith, included is the signature instrumental “James Bond Theme” by The John Barry Orchestra, which remains one of the most recognizable themes from film. The collection also includes Dame Shirley Bassey (“Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Moonraker”). With “Goldfinger,” Bassey achieved her first Top 10 hit, reaching No. 8 on The Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary charts. Bassey made her Oscars® debut at the 85th Academy Awards®, where she performed a spectacular rendition of “Goldfinger” as part of the telecast’s James Bond 50th Anniversary tribute, which was celebrated by UMe with vinyl reissues of long-out-of-print soundtracks to Dr. No, Goldfinger and Live And Let Die.

Along with Louis Armstrong (“We Have All The Time In The World”), Nancy Sinatra (“You Only Live Twice”), Lulu (“The Man With The Golden Gun”), The Best Of Bond…James Bond also includes Paul McCartney & Wings (“Live And Let Die”). Written by Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney, performed by Paul McCartney & Wings and produced by former Beatles producer George Martin, the title theme song hit No. 2 on the chart, and it was nominated for both a GRAMMY® Award, for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) / Best Background Arrangement, and an Academy Award®, for Best Original Song. The single “Live And Let Die” became the first Bond theme song to win a GRAMMY® award (Best Pop Vocal Performance, 1973), and the song continues to be a highlight in McCartney’s live performances.

The Best Of Bond…James Bond also features Carly Simon (“Nobody Does It Better”), Tina Turner (“GoldenEye”), Duran Duran (“A View To A Kill”), Sheryl Crow (“Tomorrow Never Dies”), Madonna (“Die Another Day”), Garbage (“The World Is Not Enough”). With the release of “Skyfall,” Rolling Stone compiled its Top 10 James Bond Theme Songs, all 10 of which, of course, appear on this set, including Tom Jones (“Thunderball”) and Matt Monro (“From Russia With Love”).

Preorder The Best Of Bond…James Bond here: https://lnk.to/TheBestOfBondPR

Various Artists THE BEST OF BOND…JAMES BOND [2CD/DIGITAL AND 3LP]

DISC 1

1. James Bond Theme – The John Barry Orchestra

2. From Russia With Love – Matt Monro

3. Goldfinger – Shirley Bassey

4. Thunderball – Tom Jones

5. You Only Live Twice – Nancy Sinatra

6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service – The John Barry Orchestra

7. We Have All The Time In The World – Louis Armstrong

8. Diamonds Are Forever – Shirley Bassey

9. Live And Let Die – Paul McCartney & Wings

10. The Man With The Golden Gun – Lulu

11. Nobody Does It Better – Carly Simon

12. Moonraker – Shirley Bassey

13. For Your Eyes Only – Sheena Easton

14. All Time High – Rita Coolidge

DISC 2

1. A View To A Kill – Duran Duran

2. The Living Daylights – A-Ha

3. License To Kill – Gladys Knight

4. GoldenEye – Tina Turner

5. Tomorrow Never Dies – Sheryl Crow

6. The World Is Not Enough – Garbage

7. Die Another Day – Madonna

8. You Know My Name – Chris Cornell

9. Another Way To Die – Jack White & Alicia Keys

10. Skyfall – Adele

11. Writing's On The Wall – Sam Smith

12. No Time To Die – Billie Eilish

3LP

LP1

Side A

1.  James Bond Theme – The John Barry Orchestra

2.  From Russia With Love – Matt Monro

3.  Goldfinger – Shirley Bassey

4.  Thunderball – Tom Jones

5.  You Only Live Twice – Nancy Sinatra

Side B

1.  On Her Majesty's Secret Service – The John Barry Orchestra

2.  We Have All The Time In The World – Louis Armstrong

3.  Diamonds Are Forever - Shirley Bassey

4.  Live And Let Die – Paul McCartney & Wings

5.  The Man With The Golden Gun – Lulu

LP 2

Side A

1.  Nobody Does It Better – Carly Simon

2.  Moonraker – Shirley Bassey

3.  For Your Eyes Only – Sheena Easton

4.  All Time High – Rita Coolidge

Side B

1.  A View To A Kill – Duran Duran

2.  The Living Daylights – A-Ha

3.  License To Kill – Gladys Knight

4.  GoldenEye – Tina Turner

LP 3

Side A

1.  Tomorrow Never Dies – Sheryl Crow

2.  The World Is Not Enough – Garbage

3.  Die Another Day – Madonna

4.  You Know My Name – Chris Cornell

Side B

1.  Another Way To Die – Jack White & Alicia Keys

2.  Skyfall – Adele

3.  Writing's On The Wall – Sam Smith

4.  No Time To Die – Billie Eilish

“Congratulations to Rupert on his 100th birthday.  The great thing is he never looks a day older.  Having been a fan of his since my early days in Liverpool, I know what he means to generations of young and old kids.  In his character and attitudes to the world, he sums up the best of British tradition and reminds us of an innocence we would all love to cherish.  So, congratulations, my little bear.  Your fans are celebrating your 100th birthday, and I, for one, think you deserve a telegram from the Queen.”  Paul McCartney

36 years since its release and also celebrating the 40th anniversary of when Paul recorded the song at AIR Studios, London, We All Stand Together is being made available on limited edition picture disc vinyl on November 6th via MPL/Capitol/UMe  – the vinyl is specially shaped, exactly the same as the 1984 release.  The 2020 version also comes with a poster.

We All Stand Together has been remastered at Abbey Road Studios by Alex Wharton along with the B-side instrumental We All Stand Together (Humming Version), which was included on the original release.

Produced by George Martin and featuring The King’s Singers and the choir of St Paul’s Cathedral, We All Stand Together (also known as The Frog Song) was a huge hit upon release, remaining in the charts for 13 weeks, becoming a classic and a much -loved song by every school child in the 80s.

The song was the focal point of Rupert and The Frog Song - a short animated film that Paul began work on in 1981 with animator Geoff Dunbar.  The film has now been fully restored in 4k as well as getting a new audio mix.  Written and produced by Paul and directed by Geoff, Rupert and The Frog Song was eventually released in 1984.  The film saw Paul voice the character of Rupert and featured the voices of the beloved British TV icons June Whitfield (as Rupert’s mother) and Windsor Davies (Father Frog). Released simultaneously with We All Stand Together, the film went on to become the biggest selling video of 1985 in the UK, earning Paul a Grammy nomination in the process as well as seeing him win a revered Ivor Novello Award for Best Film Soundtrack and picking up a BAFTA for Best Animated Short Film.

The film, along with the amphibian anthem, were inspired by Paul’s childhood love of Rupert and a specific drawing Paul remembered from the 1958 Rupert Bear Annual.

“I’ve always loved animation.  It started with Disney cartoons and went on from there. As a kid, I would always get the Rupert Annual at Christmas. I remember getting the idea for a film project when looking through one of them.  There was a standout image in color, and when I saw it, I could imagine a concert of frogs with them all doing different parts, a choir, and an orchestra, and I could almost hear the music.”

The project had been in the making for a long time.  Paul’s original idea had been to make a feature-length film, and he set about work for this in the 70s, recording songs and writing stories that, to this day, remain unreleased with one of the unreleased songs dating back to The Beatles Let It Be sessions in 1969.

“I had wanted to make a Rupert feature film for a while but didn’t realize what a difficult task it actually was.  I remember telling John Lennon about it, and he encouraged me to have a go, which was great, but you need more than that to make a film.  There were so many different things to think about, things like securing the rights.  It was all too much.  Eventually, I had the idea to make a short film with an animator I admired, Geoff Dunbar.”

Like Paul, Geoff Dunbar had grown up on Rupert, and unlike other animators who were suggesting some kind of Rupert reboot, Geoff, sharing Paul’s vision, believed that Rupert shouldn’t change. Geoff took inspiration from the demo of We All Stand Together, and just as Paul had heard what the song might be years before when looking at the annual, Geoff started to visualize the film based on Paul’s music, and he and Paul would back and forth ideas on the project as it started to come to life. Rupert and The Frog Song was made in a pre-digital age, all handcrafted, and this year has undergone a painstaking and serious restoration process in which the film has been regraded and restored frame by frame. 

Watching the new film, Geoff says: “It’s delightful and absolutely thrilling.  I’m totally blown away by it and the sound quality too.  I’ve always maintained what a marvelous piece of work it was.  It was seriously adored and a massive hit all over the world.”

The magic can be recaptured once again for existing fans and new audiences on November 6th when the new version will be made available on YouTube.

Personally curated by Elvis Costello, The Complete Armed Forces is the definitive statement of the legendary songwriter and musician’s revered and essential 1979 album, featuring the classic hits “Accidents Will Happen,” “Green Shirt,” “Oliver’s Army” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding.” Leaving no musical stone unturned, no lyric notebook unrifled through and no detail left out, this new super deluxe edition vinyl box set is a thorough excavation of Costello’s vault from this metamorphic period of his early beginnings, painting as complete a picture as possible of the events that led to the making of the album, its creation, and the wild success that followed for him, and his band The Attractions, and ignited his career. Armed Forces is explored across nine pieces of vinyl (3 12-inch LPs, 3 10-inch LPs and 3 7-inch singles), including a new 2020 remaster of the album, B-sides, alternate versions and outtakes, demos, and a slew of live recordings – including 23 unreleased live tracks taken from three especially riotous concerts.

Releasing November 6 via UMe, The Complete Armed Forces will be exclusively available via Elvis Costello's official online store and UMG’s online stores uDiscover and Sound of Vinyl, in two vinyl versions – 180-gram black vinyl and limited edition 180-gram multi-color opaque vinyl. It will also be available digitally for streaming and download. The collection is proceeded today with the release of a three-track digital EP featuring unreleased live performances of “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding?,” “Goon Squad” and “Pump It Up,” taken from the new live LPs, Christmas In The Dominion - Live 24th December ’78, Riot At The Regent – Live In Sydney ’78 and Europe ’79 – Live At Pinkpop.

Pre-order The Complete Armed Forces and stream the new live EP here: https://elviscostello.lnk.to/ArmedForces

This lavish box set fully embraces iconic designer Barney Bubbles’ epic pop-art packaging, including the paint-splattered cover artwork by Bubbles and Bazooka (used for the American release and included in the fold-out UK version) and features a unique origami cover that folds out to beautifully display the bold art and graphics and the six vinyl LPs, which are rounded out by three 7-inch reissues of the album’s singles “Oliver’s Army,” “Accidents Will Happen” and Nick Lowe’s “American Squirm” b/w “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?” This treasure trove contains seven custom notebooks with newly updated liner notes from Costello, totaling nearly 10,000 words, facsimiles of first-draft, handwritten lyrics and examples of his lyrical working methods from his personal archive as well as rare photos, memorabilia and concert ephemera. The notebooks offer fascinating insight into Costello’s songwriting process, showing the evolution from idea to finished work, while the liners detail the making of and stories behind the songs. The accompanying photos and memorabilia provide a vivid window into this exciting era. “Most of this record was written in hotel rooms or on a tour bus, scribbled in a notebook which rarely left my side or failing this, from fragments and phrases scrawled on paper cocktail napkins or hotel notepaper,” Costello writes in the liners.

The comprehensive set also includes a print of the vintage grenade and gun poster and the four original postcards of each band member. Additionally, Costello commissioned acclaimed artist Todd Alcott to create pulp novel book covers of songs from Armed Forces starring himself as the protagonist in a variety of precarious situations.

Armed Forces has been newly remastered by Costello and mastering engineer Bob Ludwig from the original analog tapes to match the sonic fidelity of the initial 1979 UK pressing. Striving for the utmost authenticity, they took care to match the feel and intention of the original mastering. “It sounds as close to the way it sounded to us in the studio as we could make it,” Costello recently revealed to MOJO. “That’s a beautiful thing.”

The album’s evolution is documented on the 10-inch, Sketches For Emotional Fascism A.K.A. Armed Forces, which assembles together B-sides, demos and alternate versions, making many of these songs available on vinyl for the first time in decades.

Costello and The Attractions live prowess is fully celebrated with several previously unreleased concert recordings that bookended the recording and release of the album. Along with selections from the band’s legendary 1978 Hollywood High show, the collection shows off what a powerful force of nature the band was with three additional shows including highlights from the notorious Riot At The Regent – Live In Sydney ’78 and a Christmas Eve concert at London’s Dominion Theatre that same year, presented here as Christmas In The Dominion - Live 24th December ’78. “Riot At The Regent is a souvenir from our days Down Under and a second snap-shot of the Attractions in action during six months either side of the recording of Armed Forces,” Costello pens. Continuing, “We played right up to Christmas Eve and certainly sound full of cheery spirit on ‘Christmas In The Dominion,’ playing a version of ‘No Dancing’ in an apparently spontaneous arrangement that sounds as if we had just heard Blondie’s ‘Heart Of Glass’ on the radio and decided to re-work my song with a similar approach before closing the stand with the same song with which we had opened it: ‘Peace Love & Understanding.’”

Costello’s full set at PinkPop in The Netherlands in 1979, titled Europe ’79 – Live At Pinkpop, is a thrilling concert that showcases the well-oiled band in fine form, exactly one year after their appearance at Hollywood High School, and sees them road testing songs that would end up on their follow up record, 1980’s Get Happy. All of the unreleased live recordings, taken from the original 2” multitracks, have been remixed by Costello’s longtime producer and mixer Sebastian Krys who recently mixed his forthcoming new album, Hey Clockface, and co-produced his 2018 GRAMMY® Award-winning album, Look Now.

Produced by Nick Lowe, Armed Forces was Elvis Costello’s third album and his second with The Attractions – Steve Nieve (keyboards), Bruce Thomas (bass) and Pete Thomas (drums) – following on from the immense success of their first effort, This Year’s Model. As a result, the songs for the album were written on the road while the band were on a non-stop tour where they were becoming tighter and tighter by the show. Moving away from the punk that inspired the previous record, Armed Forces, as Pitchfork wrote in their nearly perfect review of the album, “is extravagantly layered with dense instrumentation and rich, effusive textures,” adding “the production works to the record's advantage, filling the songs out with bombastic power-pop arrangements and giving weight to their urgency.” At just 23 years old, the album cemented Costello’s legacy as one of the most gifted and articulate songwriters of his generation. Since its release it has only grown in popularity and stature, continually landing on best albums ever lists and finding new fans each year.

The Empire State Building will shine its world-famous tower lights in sky blue with a white peace sign rotating in the mast tonight, Thursday, October 8, 2020, in partnership with the John Lennon Estate and Universal Music Group to celebrate John Lennon’s life and legacy ahead of what would have been his 80th birthday, Friday, October 9. The lights will illuminate at sunset (approx. 6:25 pm EDT) and stay on until 2 am EDT.

Sean Ono Lennon will be on hand to flip the switch and light up the iconic building in honor of his father.

Watch the live stream here: https://www.esbnyc.com/about/live-cam

The celebration coincides with the release of a new album titled, Gimme Some Truth. The Ultimate Mixes. (Capitol/UMe), which collects together 36 of Lennon’s most vital and best loved songs from his solo career. Executive produced by Yoko Ono Lennon and produced by Sean Ono Lennon, the songs have all been completely remixed from scratch, radically upgrading their sonic quality and presenting them as a never-before-heard Ultimate Listening Experience.

One of New York City’s most famous residents, John Lennon famously moved to Manhattan from the UK in 1971 following the breakup of The Beatles and called the city home until his death in 1980. A vocal lover of New York, he eventually won a hard-fought immigration battle that allowed him to stay in the United States and in his beloved, adopted hometown. Lennon and Ono lived together at The Dakota near Central Park where they raised their son Sean and where Ono still lives. Lennon wrote and recorded several solo albums in NYC including Mind Games (1973), Walls and Bridges (1974), Rock ‘n’ Roll (1975) and his collaborations with Ono, which include Sometime In New York City (1972), his final studio album, Double Fantasy (1980), and the posthumously released, Milk and Honey (1884). Notably the strings and final mixes for Lennon’s Imagine (1971) album were recorded at the famed Record Plant in NYC.

In 1980, following his passing, photographer Bob Gruen was asked to choose an image for a vigil in Central Park for fans to grieve and chose a photo he took of Lennon wearing a white sleeveless t-shirt emblazoned with New York City in bold black type. The now iconic image, much like New York to the Liverpudlian, has become synonymous with Lennon and a point of pride for the city. Strawberry Fields in NYC’s Central Park is a living memorial to the world-famous singer, songwriter and peace activist, John Lennon.

Today, October 9, marks what would have been the legendary John Lennon’s 80th birthday. Although gone for nearly 40 years – the same amount of time he was on Earth, the musician, songwriter and peace activist’s timeless and beloved music -  with The Beatles, his collaborations with his widow Yoko Ono Lennon and his acclaimed solo works – continues to thrill, inspire and lately resonate more than ever. Love, heartbreak, peace, politics, truth, lies, the media, racism, feminism, religion, mental well-being, marriage, fatherhood – he sang about it all, and one just needs to listen to his songs to know how he felt, what he cherished, what he believed in, and what he stood for. 

Lennon’s immeasurable life and legacy is being celebrated around the world today in an abundance of ways with fan tributes, TV and radio specials, new album releases, virtual events, live streams and much much more.

Last night, the Empire State Building paid tribute to the adopted New Yorker by lighting up its world-famous tower lights in sky blue with a white peace sign rotating in the mast. Sean Ono Lennon was on hand to flip the switch and illuminate the iconic building in honor of his father. View photos here: https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/empire-state-building-lights-for-john-lennon

Sean performed a cover of “Isolation” from Lennon’s debut solo album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band as part of A Late Show With Stephen Colbert’s #PlayAtHome series and has put out a call-out to artists and fans to cover Lennon’s songs: “Hey guys, here’s my version of ‘ISOLATION,’ with me on drums and my nephew Jack on bass. Crazy how much the lyrics fit our current year. Please upload a cover of your favorite John Lennon song on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok - and tag my dad - @johnlennon, #LENNON80 and #GIMMESOMETRUTH - to help celebrate his 80th birthday. We need his music and his message now more than ever!” Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/Qd0_xlLiERU

Available today via Capitol/UMe is a suite of new releases titled, GIMME SOME TRUTH. THE ULTIMATE MIXES., which collect together some of Lennon’s most vital and best loved songs from his solo career. Executive produced by Yoko Ono Lennon and produced by Sean Ono Lennon, the songs have all been completely remixed from the original multitracks from the ground up, radically upgrading their sonic quality and presenting them as a never-before-heard Ultimate Listening Experience. Named for Lennon’s 1971 excoriating rebuke of deceptive politicians, hypocrisy and war, a sentiment as relevant as ever in our post-truth era of fake news, GIMME SOME TRUTH. is available in a variety of formats including as a Deluxe Edition Box Set that offers several different ways to listen to this engrossing 36-track collection with stunning new mixes across two CDs alongside a Blu-ray audio disc containing the Ultimate Mixes in Studio Quality 24 bit/96 kHz HD Stereo, immersive 5.1 Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos.

The results speak for themselves and allow Lennon’s voice and words to shine on, clearer and brighter, at a time when they are needed now, more than ever. When listened to in sequence, GIMME SOME TRUTH. plays both like one of the greatest-ever live Lennon concerts and an emotional telling of his life story, from just after the breakup of The Beatles, to falling in love and marrying Yoko, his peace activism, personal soul-searching, inspiration, celebration, confusion, reunion, fatherhood, his five-year break from music while raising his son Sean, and his triumphant return into the ‘80s with two new albums. Throughout these incredible, timeless songs we experience the many facets of John Lennon: the songwriter, the revolutionary, the musician, the husband, the truth-teller, the dad, the provocateur, the peace activist, the artist, the icon.

Listen to and purchase GIMME SOME TRUTH. THE ULTIMATE MIXES: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/GIMMESOMETRUTH

JOHN LENNON 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS & ACTIVATIONS

SiriusXM’s The Beatles Channel (Ch. 18) featuring exclusive programming all weekend long including a special Alec Baldwin-hosted interview with Paul McCartney, who reflects on his songwriting partner, bandmate, and friend John Lennon. More information about all their programming is here: https://blog.siriusxm.com/hear-paul-mccartney-alec-baldwin-honor-john-lennons-80th-birthday-plus-more-exclusive-specials-on-the-beatles-channel/

Fans can access the GIMME SOME TRUTH AR Lens on Instagram and Snapchat to share their truth and recreate the album cover by putting themselves on the cover with an innovative twist. Experience it on your mobile device here: https://www.instagram.com/ar/3347848085299993/

TikTok today announced that the music of John Lennon is coming to its community. An account in his memory has launched in partnership with The Lennon Estate and its label partner Universal Music Group.

Twitter has created a custom emoji to assist with the celebrations. Lennon’s famed portrait doodle will appear when users use the hashtags #GIMMESOMETRUTH or #LENNON80

In a worldwide exclusive for BBC Radio 2, Sean Ono Lennon interviewed Julian Lennon, Paul McCartney and Elton John in a two-part documentary, John Lennon At 80. Listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m000n5pr

Today, UMe and Tuff Gong announce three new and exclusive limited-edition collector series coming later this year. On December 11, twelve limited-edition Bob Marley vinyl LP's, each numbered and pressed exclusively at the legendary Tuff Gong International headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, will be available, featuring nine original studio albums and two original live albums, plus the world's best-selling reggae album, Legend, all including a highly-desirable Tuff Gong stamp. Additionally, Catch A Fire, originally recorded by The Wailers in Jamaica and eventually released with overdubs and a mix overseen by Island founder Chris Blackwell at the label's London headquarters, will be available in its original Jamaica-recorded version, with two extra tracks from the sessions and some tracks with longer fades. Produced entirely by Bob Marley & the Wailers and mixed by longtime Marley associate Errol Brown, this Jamaican version will be on vinyl for the first time.

The limited-edition albums were pressed at Tuff Gong's newly refurbished vinyl pressing plant, which re-opened in summer 2020 and will have an annual capacity of 250,000 units. Each album was mastered by Dave Cooley at Elysian Masters in Los Angeles.  To view the full list of the limited-edition Jamaican LPs, click HERE.  To listen or purchase, click HERE.

On November 20, the twelve titles will also be available on premium half-speed mastered vinyl. This specialist artisan process results in a more detailed representation of the original sound source cuts, with a far superior high-frequency (treble) response, and richer and fuller low to middle frequencies. All tracks were mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London. To view the full list of the half-speed master  LPs, click HERE.  To listen or purchase, click HERE.

On December 4, the long-awaited CD version of the iconic Complete Island Recordings LP box, which includes all nine Bob Marley & The Wailers studio albums recorded for Island Records, plus two live albums, Live! and Babylon By Bus, will be released. The Complete Island Recordings CD boxset will include the 11 albums packaged in CD wallets, housed in a brushed silver clamshell box that simulates the larger hinged lighter from the LP set. To view the full list of the Complete Island CDs, click HERE. To listen or purchase, click HERE.

Released on October 13, in continued celebration of the late musical and cultural icon's 75th birthday— Rizzoli published Bob Marley: Portrait of the Legend, a celebration of the life and influence of the forefather of reggae, and the first book authorized by the Bob Marley Foundation.

Drawing exclusively on images from the Marley family archives, Bob Marley: Portrait of the Legend showcases over 150 photographs in celebration of the life of one of the greatest musical and socio-political icons of twentieth-century pop culture. Making the most of its oversize pages, the book is designed as a monument to Marley's influence, mixing the iconic and the intimate, bringing together striking images of his on-stage performances, along with glimpses into his creative process in and out of the studio, and family life in Jamaica.

About the release, Ziggy Marley said, "I am blessed to present to you this very special collection of photographs from our archives. There is a cliché term, "a picture is worth a thousand words." From my experience of looking through hundreds and hundreds of photos for this book, I will say, yes, it is true." For more details, click HERE:

In other literary news, for the first time, Marley's daughter-singer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and bestselling author, Cedella Marley—shares her father's timeless words on striving for change with Redemption: Reflections on Creating a Better World, released on September 15. Lovingly curating and compiling Marley's sage wisdom, Cedella Marley dives deep into recorded and archived radio interviews, along with song lyrics that speak to Marley's pursuit of redemption, to create a powerful narrative about freeing yourself so you can help free others.

Discussing "Redemption Song," Cedella Marley shares that it "is an anthem for times of conflict and despair and calls out the systematic oppression that continues to plague all

levels of society. But it also offers a way forward. The answer is in the title itself." This is why she believes that the song "resonates today as much as it did when my father originally wrote it" over forty years ago.

As we find ourselves more divided, Redemption: Reflections on Creating a Better World offers Marley's enduring message as a way to heal and change individually and collectively.  Redemption: Reflections on Creating a Better World is out everywhere now. To order, click HERE.

Also recently announced, in August, Bob Marley was the first "Artist of the Month" for Amazon Music's [RE]DISCOVER campaign, a new global brand developed to support artist catalogs across all music genres. The [RE]DISCOVER brand showcases carefully curated artist playlists across various genres, which take listeners on a career-spanning journey of musical discovery, or re-discovery, through the featured artist's entire body of work. The [RE]DISCOVER campaign includes links to stream and download Marley's music; physical music selections; links to related films and books; and a collection of exclusive merchandise including an exclusive 2LP set of Bob Marley & The Wailers' Live  At The Rainbow, recorded on June 4, 1977, in London. Live  At The Rainbow was previously only available on VHS and DVD, and is now available for the first time in full, in performance sequence, and on vinyl anywhere.  The 2LP also features a newly discovered, unreleased performance.  Learn more about [RE]DISCOVER Bob Marley HERE.

Also available now, Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Robin Schulz has reworked the Bob Marley classic "Sun Is Shining" via Island Records into a high-energy, club-focused version.  Originally released on Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1971 album Soul Revolution, "Sun Is Shining" is one of Marley's most critically acclaimed tracks. On "Sun Is Shining," Robin Schulz has transformed a Bob Marley classic into a sunkissed dance track by adding an infectious bassline and feelgood piano chords to the more downtempo original, with serious crossover appeal. Listen to the remix HERE.

Lastly, Eagle Records and the Bob Marley Estate recently announced the release of Uprising Live, in celebration of Bob Marley 75.  Uprising Live will be available for the first time on vinyl, with black vinyl 3LP and highly-collectible, limited-edition colored vinyl 3LP. Listen or purchase HERE.

In this digital era, Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media, and MARLEY75 will serve to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year. Bob Marley's music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice, and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever in 2020. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity, and care is taken to honor Bob's legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures.

Additional information on MARLEY75 events will be revealed soon.

Subscribe to Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel and never miss an update.

#BobMarley75

Yusuf / Cat Stevens launches his latest music video for “Wild World.” The fourth single taken from his acclaimed new album, Tea for the Tillerman² — the reimagined rework of his classic 1970 album. Watch Here.

The brilliantly eccentric style of the new video combines elements of Wes Anderson, “Casablanca” and Bugsy Mallone. Child actors play out a Blackjack gambling duel which bounces back-and-forth as the ill-fated cards fall between the house dealer and the plucky winner. Mental games of revenge invoke thoughts which jaunt us into a bruising boxing match as well as brutal excursions into WW2.

With its Tango lilt, Berlinesque accordion and smooth clarinet lines, this new cinematic reworking of “Wild World” is recognized as one of the biggest stylistic departures on the new album.

As with “Where Do The Children Play?” and “Father & Son,” the new video of “Wild World” adventurously draws upon the timelessness of the song’s lyrics to capture the powerful message they contain. The central motif of a “Wild World” has been undeniably proven by the precarious state of the world we are living in right now, with war and aggression closing in on us from every side.

Ultimately, the relief from his oppressive vision comes through the even greater imagination of a pure soul (a childish recast of Ingrid Bergman) who, not limited by need for material and power gains, is able to transcend into the realm of the stars with a smile—and an accompanying cup of “Tillerman Tea.” Yusuf’s words tell us of the dangers that are to be found in the world are overcome with love and a dream of something better…beyond.

Upon its initial release 50 years ago, Tea for the Tillerman peaked at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 and went on to become one of the most influential albums of all time, bringing the world classic songs like “Wild World,” “Father And Son” and “Where Do The Children Play?”

The newly reimagined Tillerman² sees the entire record recast for a new age. These are modern folk tales that will resonate with any open and receptive spirit and Yusuf is our humble yet expert storyteller, they are allegories for ours and all times. Tea for the Tillerman has already carved an indelible mark in the bedrock of popular culture and with this new version we are invited to once again witness its magic and mysteries by an artist who has spent the intervening 50 years fearlessly challenging the limits of his own understanding and insight.

Following the widely acclaimed release of Tea for the Tillerman², December 2020 will see Yusuf / Cat Stevens celebrate the two albums that first established him as his generation’s premier acoustic troubadour and then fired him into international superstardom. Released only seven months apart in 1970, Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman will be celebrated as 50th anniversary Super Deluxe Collector’s Edition box sets. Mona Bone Jakon will include 24 previously unreleased songs, and Tea for the Tillerman will feature a further 21 unreleased tracks alongside a host of other rarities. Both are due for release December 4 via A&M/UMe.

Pre-order Tea for the Tillerman: CatStevens.lnk.to/TFTTBoxset

Pre-order Mona Bone Jakon: CatStevens.lnk.to/MBJBoxset

Before Tea for the Tillerman, a musical masterpiece widely lauded as one of the greatest albums of all time, a new deal with Island Records – A&M in the U.S. – saw the April 1970 release of Mona Bone Jakon. The album represents one of the most profound artistic metamorphoses of the 20th Century: the cleanly shaven Carnaby Street pop-star incarnation of Cat Stevens, who brought us “I Love My Dog” and “Matthew & Son,” fades into the mist of a bygone era, emerging from the shadows as a new man, musician, and authentic lyrical master of metaphor, whose songs would help define a new genre for a generation of music lovers, and pave the way for a poignant new wave of soulful singer-songwriters.

Inspired by a near-fatal battle with TB and extended period of convalescence during which he studied classical music, metaphysical literature and meditative self-reflection, Mona Bone Jakon is equal parts painful torment, self-referential humor and spiritual awakening. It is deeply revealing of the man he was becoming and the journey he was embarking on that would last a lifetime. Through its stunning and often overlooked crop of songs we encounter an artist who has discovered himself but is unsure of whether the world will accept what he has become. The album has a deeply personal, almost vulnerable quality that, arguably, makes it the most compelling and human of all of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ work.

Marking the start of a long-running creative partnership with producer (and former Yardbird) Paul Samwell-Smith, the album includes the deeply Romantic “Lady D’Arbanville,” the spiritually uplifting “I Think I See The Light,” the tongue-in-cheek “Pop Star” and the heart-rendering “Trouble” - which has connected with many a tormented soul including Elliott Smith, Chris Cornell and John Frusciante.

50 years on, the songs on Mona Bone Jakon still sound as fresh as the day they were recorded. Presented here in a new 2020 remastered version on CD, and a new 2020 Mix by David Hefti on CD and LP, the Super Deluxe Edition also includes an exclusive third CD of previously unreleased demos, and a fourth CD featuring 18 live performances from 1970/71. The 2020 remaster was completed at Abbey Road Studios, and was overseen by original album producer, Paul Samwell-Smith.

This 50th anniversary set is completed with a live 12” etched vinyl EP of the rare audience recording of “Live At Plumpton Jazz & Blues Festival” from August, 1970, and with a Blu-ray disc featuring the original promo video of “Lady D’Arbanville,” plus eight live TV performances, and the HD audio of the new Mona Bone Jakon 2020 Mix. There’s also a selection of memorabilia including the Island Records press kit, two Island press photos, a replica 1970 Plumpton Jazz and Blues flyer, a Cat Stevens tour sticker and “dustbin” greetings card and pop art print in a card envelope.

Tillerman followed Mona Bone Jakon only seven months later that same year, confirming the sensational rebirth of Cat Stevens as a spiritual seeker capable of drawing from a seemingly bottomless well of imaginative inspiration. Here, his new-found gentle and folk-oriented style was artfully weaved with urgent, morally demanding questions beneath bewitching melodies. This soul-searching masterpiece felt simultaneously like a deliberate reaction to what Cat saw in the world as well as his own struggle for answers, and would continue to resonate through countless generations to come.

The Tea for the Tillerman Super Deluxe box set features a new 2020 remaster, also completed at Abbey Road Studios and overseen by original album producer Paul Samwell-Smith, and mix, of the original 1970 Island Records multitrack master tape, overseen by Yusuf and engineer David Hefti. The 2020 Mix also appears on the 1LP format which is exclusive to this box set. CD3 features the newly released Tea for the Tillerman² – Yusuf has chosen to include it here in order to present the most complete edition of the original album, showing how these songs are as pertinent today as they were when written over 50 years ago. CD4 includes demos, outtakes and alternate versions, including two previously unreleased tracks (“Can This Be Love?,” “It’s So Good,” “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out,” and “Don’t Be Shy”), while CD5 features 25 live performances - 5 previously unreleased tracks recorded Live At The Troubadour, 4 previously unreleased live performances from the December 8, 1970 show at Fillmore East, and 6 previously unreleased live from British, French and German TV performances over 1970/71. The box set also includes the previously unreleased “Can This Be Love?;” originally scheduled to appear on the album, the song was written by Cat along with “Father and Son” for a proposed musical project “Revolussia” in 1969.

The Super Deluxe box set is rounded out with a Blu-ray featuring HD 24bit/96khz audio of the 2020 Mix, as well as 8 previously unreleased live TV performances, 7 tracks performed live at KCNET studios, Los Angeles, and the official “Father and Son” video. Also housed in a card envelope within the box is a “Pick Up A Good Book” bookmark, a Yusuf / Cat Stevens designed “Miles From Nowhere” print, a reproduction handwritten lyric sheet for “Miles From Nowhere,” a fold-out “Live From The Troubadour 1970” poster, and a Tea for the Tillerman sticker.

With Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman Yusuf / Cat Stevens asserted himself both lyrically and musically as a true artist in the most profound sense. His work during this period would go on to transcend its own era and stay relevant for generations to come. By looking inward with eyes wide open he discovered truths that he was able to present to the world with compelling sincerity through his unique and spellbinding gift for songwriting. These two albums truly stand as a rite of passage for all songwriters seeking to learn how to present their intimate experiences to the external world, and essential listening to all lovers of great music.

50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Editions of Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman will be released on December 4th via A&M/UMe.

Today, episode seven of Bob Marley's Legacy documentary series continues with "Freedom Fighter," a powerful new short featuring insight and interviews from some of the world's most respected artists, writers, activists, and filmmakers, each offering their own take on Bob's music, his message, and his unique power at uniting and articulating the long and painful journey from oppression and the struggles his brothers and sisters have endured over the years. From slavery to the Civil Rights Movement to this present day, the episode also explores current social issues from the mass incarceration of African Americans in the United States and the power and importance of modern-day activism and movements such as Black Lives Matter and The People's Budget Movement. Narrated by Public Enemy's Chuck D, the episode features interviews with rappers 2 Chainz and LL Cool J, media mogul and filmmaker Yandy Smith, human rights activist Malcolm X, American Civil Rights activist Mary Hooks, best-selling authors Aya de Leon and Jamila T. Davis, and reporter, Dani McClain. The episode also features a performance from Grammy-nominated EARTHGANG, interviews with Ferrell Scott and Corvain Cooper, who are both serving life in prison without the possibility of parole sentences for non-violent marijuana charges, as well as art director and friend of Bob Marley, Neville Garrick, Island Records Founder, Chris Blackwell and family members, Cedella Marley, Donisha Prendergast, Ky-Mani Marley, Ziggy Marley, and many more. "Freedom Fighter" is available to watch on Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel. Watch HERE.

"Freedom Fighter" follows the digital EP release of Songs of Freedom: Rarities, which features Marley songs from alternate mixes, previously unavailable for streaming, including the original version of "Iron Lion Zion," "Is This Love" (horns mix), "One Love/People Get Ready" (12" mix) and more. Listen to Songs of Freedom: Rarities EP HERE.

Also available now, the digital EP release of I Know A Place – The Remixes (Part 1 + Part 2) features remixes previously only available on European remix 12" and various CD singles. The tracks, formerly unavailable for streaming, include Peter Hoff's Radio Edit, Bedroom Rockers Extended Mix, and more. Listen to I Know A Place – The Remixes (Part 1 + Part 2). The music video for "I Know A Place" has also been remastered in HD and is available now, via Bob Marley's official YouTube channel HERE. 

Bob Marley "Sun Is Shining (Hawkins Remix)" EP is also available now.  The brand new Hawkins Remix is featured in the trailer for the new Aaron Sorkin film, The Trial of the Chicago 7, available now on Netflix. Listen to the "Sun Is Shining (Hawkins Remix)" EP HERE.

UMe and Tuff Gong recently announced three new and exclusive limited-edition collector series coming later this year. On December 11, twelve limited-edition Bob Marley vinyl LP's, each numbered and pressed exclusively at the legendary Tuff Gong International headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, will be available, featuring nine original studio albums and two original live albums, plus the world's best-selling reggae album, Legend, all including a highly-desirable Tuff Gong stamp. To view the full list of the limited-edition Jamaican LPs, click HERE.  To listen or purchase, click HERE. On November 20, the twelve titles will also be available on premium half-speed mastered vinyl. All tracks were mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London. To view the full list of the half-speed master  LPs, click HERE.  To listen or purchase, click HERE. On December 4, the long-awaited CD version of the iconic Complete Island Recordings LP box, which includes all nine Bob Marley & The Wailers studio albums recorded for Island Records, plus two live albums, Live! and Babylon By Bus, will be released. The Complete Island Recordings CD boxset will include the 11 albums packaged in CD wallets, housed in a brushed silver clamshell box that simulates the larger hinged lighter from the LP set. To view the full list of the Complete Island CDs, click HERE. To listen or purchase, click HERE.

In this digital era, Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media, and MARLEY75 will serve to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year. Bob Marley's music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice, and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever in 2020. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity, and care is taken to honor Bob's legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures.

Additional information on MARLEY75 events will be revealed soon.

Subscribe to Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel and never miss an update.

#BobMarley75

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ classic album Mona Bone Jackon, a video recorded to promote the opening track “Lady D’Arbanville” has been rediscovered while delving deep in his vaults. Recorded in 1970, the video combines newly remastered audio with footage which features the song’s muse Patti D’Arbanville herself, supporting the song’s somber yet romantic mood. Watch the rare footage here.

Also available today on streaming services is “Lady D’Arbanville” (Live at the BBC) which, will feature on the upcoming Mona Bone Jakon 50th anniversary Super Deluxe Collector’s Edition box set. “Lady D’Arbanville” (Live at the BBC) is one of 24 previously unreleased songs, including an entire CD of unheard studio demos. Released only seven months apart in 1970, Tea for the Tillerman will also be celebrated as a 50th anniversary Super Deluxe Collector’s Edition Box, with both classic albums due for release on December 4, 2020 via A&M/UMe.

“Lady D’Arbanville” is one of the most striking songs in the entire Yusuf / Cat Stevens cannon. Being the first track on Mona Bone Jakon as well as the album’s lead single, it is the song that introduced the world to the new stripped-down acoustic Cat Stevens sound of 1970, a radical departure from his ‘60s polished pop offerings.

The song’s mournful narrative, in which a lover grieves for the death of the eponymous Lady D’Arbanville, is a metaphor for the end of the relationship between Cat and the American model-actress Patti D’Arbanville. Few songs in all of popular music are as steeped in classical English lyrical traditions as “Lady D’Arbanville,” sharing more in common with the Romantic poetry of Keats, P.B. Shelley and Coleridge than it does with its musical contemporaries. 1970 was filled with brilliant singles - Free’s “All Right Now,” The Kinks’ “Lola” and The Guess Who’s “American Woman,” but by comparison “Lady D’Arbanville” feels like it comes from both an entirely different time period and a radically different mindset.

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the rare music video recorded in 1970 to promote “Lady D’Arbanville” has been rediscovered and released with remastered audio. Filmed in black and white, it features both Cat and Patti in a Gothic English mansion. Cat plays his guitar and sings passionately as Patti drifts around the building like an apparition. At no point do the two characters interact, enhancing the feeling of loss and separation that is a central lyrical theme.

Upon its release as a single “Lady D’Arbanville” proved to be a hit in territories including France, the Netherlands and made it to number 8 in the UK charts. Listeners were beguiled by its enchanting Romantic style and passionate rhythmic drive. Its success laid the foundations of Cat’s reputation as a romantic and poetic artist for the modern age and built enough momentum for him to continue the journey of musical and personal self-discovery that he would share with ever increasing audiences over the years to come.

50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Editions of Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman will be released on December 4th via A&M/UMe.

Personally curated by Elvis Costello, The Complete Armed Forces is the definitive statement of the legendary songwriter and musician’s revered and essential 1979 album, featuring the classic hits “Accidents Will Happen,” “Green Shirt,” “Oliver’s Army” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding.” Leaving no musical stone unturned, no lyric notebook unrifled through and no detail left out, this new super deluxe edition vinyl box set is a thorough excavation of Costello’s vault from this metamorphic period of his early beginnings, painting as complete a picture as possible of the events that led to the making of the album, its creation, and the wild success that followed for him, and his band The Attractions, and ignited his career. Armed Forces is explored across nine pieces of vinyl (3 12-inch LPs, 3 10-inch LPs and 3 7-inch singles), including a new 2020 remaster of the album, B-sides, alternate versions and outtakes, demos, and a slew of live recordings – including 23 unreleased live tracks taken from three especially riotous concerts.

The Complete Armed Forces, available now via UMe, can be streamed in its entirety at all streaming services and purchased exclusively via Elvis Costello's official online store and UMG’s online stores uDiscover and Sound of Vinyl, in two vinyl versions – 180-gram black vinyl and limited edition 180-gram multi-color opaque vinyl. Stream and order here: https://elviscostello.lnk.to/ArmedForces

This lavish box set fully embraces iconic designer Barney Bubbles’ epic pop-art packaging, including the paint-splattered cover artwork by Bubbles and Bazooka (used for the American release and included in the fold-out UK version) and features a unique origami cover that folds out to beautifully display the bold art and graphics and the six vinyl LPs, which are rounded out by three 7-inch reissues of the album’s singles “Oliver’s Army,” “Accidents Will Happen” and Nick Lowe’s “American Squirm” b/w “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?” This treasure trove contains seven custom notebooks with newly updated liner notes from Costello, totaling nearly 10,000 words, facsimiles of first-draft, handwritten lyrics and examples of his lyrical working methods from his personal archive as well as rare photos, memorabilia and concert ephemera. The notebooks offer fascinating insight into Costello’s songwriting process, showing the evolution from idea to finished work, while the liners detail the making of and stories behind the songs. The accompanying photos and memorabilia provide a vivid window into this exciting era. “Most of this record was written in hotel rooms or on a tour bus, scribbled in a notebook which rarely left my side or failing this, from fragments and phrases scrawled on paper cocktail napkins or hotel notepaper,” Costello writes in the liners.

The comprehensive set also includes a print of the vintage grenade and gun poster and the four original postcards of each band member. Additionally, Costello commissioned acclaimed artist Todd Alcott to create pulp novel book covers of songs from Armed Forces starring himself as the protagonist in a variety of precarious situations.

Armed Forces has been newly remastered by Costello and mastering engineer Bob Ludwig from the original analog tapes to match the sonic fidelity of the initial 1979 UK pressing. Striving for the utmost authenticity, they took care to match the feel and intention of the original mastering. “It sounds as close to the way it sounded to us in the studio as we could make it,” Costello recently revealed to MOJO. “That’s a beautiful thing.”

The album’s evolution is documented on the 10-inch, Sketches For Emotional Fascism A.K.A. Armed Forces, which assembles together B-sides, demos and alternate versions, making many of these songs available on vinyl for the first time in decades.

Costello and The Attractions live prowess is fully celebrated with several previously unreleased concert recordings that bookended the recording and release of the album. Along with selections from the band’s legendary 1978 Hollywood High show, the collection shows off what a powerful force of nature the band was with three additional shows including highlights from the notorious Riot At The Regent – Live In Sydney ’78 and a Christmas Eve concert at London’s Dominion Theatre that same year, presented here as Christmas In The Dominion - Live 24th December ’78. “Riot At The Regent is a souvenir from our days Down Under and a second snap-shot of the Attractions in action during six months either side of the recording of Armed Forces,” Costello pens. Continuing, “We played right up to Christmas Eve and certainly sound full of cheery spirit on ‘Christmas In The Dominion,’ playing a version of ‘No Dancing’ in an apparently spontaneous arrangement that sounds as if we had just heard Blondie’s ‘Heart Of Glass’ on the radio and decided to re-work my song with a similar approach before closing the stand with the same song with which we had opened it: ‘Peace Love & Understanding.’”

Costello’s full set at PinkPop in The Netherlands in 1979, titled Europe ’79 – Live At Pinkpop, is a thrilling concert that showcases the well-oiled band in fine form, exactly one year after their appearance at Hollywood High School, and sees them road testing songs that would end up on their follow up record, 1980’s Get Happy. All of the unreleased live recordings, taken from the original 2” multitracks, have been remixed by Costello’s longtime producer and mixer Sebastian Krys who recently mixed his new album, Hey Clockface, and co-produced his 2018 GRAMMY® Award-winning album, Look Now.

Produced by Nick Lowe, Armed Forces was Elvis Costello’s third album and his second with The Attractions – Steve Nieve (keyboards), Bruce Thomas (bass) and Pete Thomas (drums) – following on from the immense success of their first effort, This Year’s Model. As a result, the songs for the album were written on the road while the band were on a non-stop tour where they were becoming tighter and tighter by the show. Moving away from the punk that inspired the previous record, Armed Forces, as Pitchfork wrote in their nearly perfect review of the album, “is extravagantly layered with dense instrumentation and rich, effusive textures,” adding “the production works to the record's advantage, filling the songs out with bombastic power-pop arrangements and giving weight to their urgency.” At just 23 years old, the album cemented Costello’s legacy as one of the most gifted and articulate songwriters of his generation. Since it’s release it has only grown in popularity and stature, continually landing on best albums ever lists and finding new fans each year.

With The Complete Armed Forces, Costello has provided an exhaustive time capsule that lets us celebrate this timeless album and understand how it came to be.

THE COMPLETE ARMED FORCES TRACKLISTING

Armed Forces 12” LP

SIDE A
1. Accidents Will Happen
2. Senior Service
3. Oliver’s Army
4. Big Boys
5. Green Shirt
6. Party Girl

SIDE B
1. Goon Squad
2. Busy Bodies
3. Sunday’s Best
4. Moods For Moderns
5. Chemistry Class
6. Two Little Hitlers
7. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding?

Live at Hollywood High & Elsewhere 1978 12” LP
SIDE A
1. Accidents Will Happen
2. Mystery Dance
3. Goon Squad
4. Party Girl
5. Stranger In The House

SIDE B
1. Alison
2. Lipstick Vogue
3. Watching The Detectives
4. You Belong To Me
5. Chemistry Class (Live at The Warner Theatre, Washington D.C.)

Europe ‘79 – Live At Pinkpop 12” LP

SIDE A
1. Goon Squad
2. B-Movie
3. Green Shirt
4. (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea
5. Opportunity
6. So Young
7. High Fidelity

SIDE B
1 Lipstick Vogue
2. Watching The Detectives
3. Big Boys
4. Pump It Up
5. You Belong To Me
6. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding?

Sketches for Emotional Fascism 10″ LP
SIDE A
1. Clean Money
2. Talking In The Dark
3. Wednesday Week
4. Tiny Steps

SIDE B
1. Crawling To The U.S.A.
2. Big Boys (Alternate Version)
3. Green Shirt (Demo Version)
4. My Funny Valentine

Riot At The Regent – Live In Sydney ’78 10” LP
SIDE A
1. Oliver’s Army
2. Waiting For The End Of The World
3. Big Boys

SIDE B
1. This Year’s Girl
2. You Belong To Me
3. Pump It Up

Christmas In The Dominion – Live 24th December ‘78 10” LP
SIDE A
1. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
2. No Dancing

SIDE B
1. I Stand Accused
2. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding?

“Oliver’s Army” 7″
SIDE A
1. Oliver’s Army

Side B
1. Big Boys (Demo)

“Accidents Will Happen” 7”
SIDE A
1. Accidents Will Happen

Side B
1. Busy Bodies (Alternate)

Nick Lowe & His Sound - “American Squirm” 7″
Side A
1. American Squirm

Side B
2. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding?

"I Can't Go On Living Without You" has been unveiled to celebrate the release of Elton John's Jewel Box, released today via UMe. Multiple GRAMMY winner Mark 'Spike' Stent (Shawn Mendes, Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber) has given the unreleased 1968 mix – one of the many gems of Jewel Box – a 2020 polish in time to celebrate one of the most eagerly awaited releases of the year. Watch Here.

The 1968 original captures the sound of a long-lost swinging London and typified the writing-to-order pop that Elton John and Bernie Taupin had been contracted to Dick James Music to deliver for other artists to cover.

Written and recorded at DJM studios in Central London in Spring 1968, "I Can't Go On Living Without You" was selected for consideration for the UK's Eurovision Song Contest entry the following year. Six songs were chosen for the public vote for Lulu to take the winner forward to the competition's final in Madrid that March. To get to the final six for songwriters of that day was prestigious enough. Another aspiring team – Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber – submitted a song entitled "Try It And See," which, according to Rice, didn't even make the final 50. A year or so later, new lyrics were provided, and it became "Herod's Song" in Jesus Christ Superstar.

"I Can't Go On Living Without You" was sung by Lulu on her BBC1 primetime show Happening For Lulu on Saturday, February 1, 1969. "Back then, Eurovision wasn't quite the orgy of embarrassment it is now, but still, it wasn't like Pink Floyd, and Soft Machine were queuing up to get involved," Elton wrote in his acclaimed, best selling memoir Me. In fact, he revealed, although credited to Bernie, he had written the lyrics by himself. On the following Monday, the composing team Bill Martin and Phil Coulter (who had written the previous year's Eurovision entry,  Congratulations) reviewed I Can't Go On Living Without You, the fourth of the six contenders, in the Daily Express. Martin wrote, "I strained my ears to hear a non-existent melody coupled with a pathetic lyric." Coulter added, "a very unimaginative title for what is just a dull and uninteresting song." Elton wrote in his diary on Monday, February 3: "Went into the office. General reaction to Lulu – not very good." 

When the final result came through a fortnight later, the song had come sixth in the audience poll. Out of six. It had received 5087 votes. Ironically, it was beaten into last place by a song called Are You Ready For Love? (but not the one Elton was to take to No. 1 in 2003). The song that Lulu did take forward, "Boom Bang-A-Bang," garnered 56476 votes.

Although Lulu was to be the joint winner of Eurovision that year, "I Can't Go On Living Without You" did attract some cover versions; Cilla Black recorded it on her 1970 album, Sweet Inspiration; Pickettywitch singer Polly Brown released it on the flip side of "So In Love" in 1973, and Sandie Shaw's version belatedly came out in 2004.

Now it's time to hear the Elton original for the first time. 'I Can't Go On Living Without You' is three fabulous minutes of the zingy easy listening pop of the day, with a catchy chorus and a memorable hook.

The track is accompanied by a new lyric video from Ladybug Studios where, like the track itself, the song's swingin' 60s vintage will be given a fresh and contemporary twist. It features images of Elton and Bernie from the period.

Elton: Jewel Box is available now as deluxe 8CD and 9LP box sets, standalone 4LP, 3LP, and 2LP breakouts. On streaming services, we're celebrating its wealth of rarities, deep cuts, and B-sides via a series of regular three-song batches, culminating with the complete 'Jewel Box' appearing, in full, in March for Elton's 75th birthday.

This holiday season, musical legends Bing Crosby, Chuck Berry, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra are returning in animated form with first-ever official music videos from UMe for some of the most iconic and beloved songs in the Christmas canon. In the beautifully hand drawn and painted videos created by Fantoons Animation Studios, Crosby brings joy to a down in the dumps town with his trusty Bing-O-Matic™ in “Winter Wonderland” and croons over a multigenerational military family’s holiday gatherings in “White Christmas,” guitar-clad Berry helps Santa with his Christmas rounds in vintage comic book style in “Run Rudolph Run,” Fitzgerald and Frosty delight in a winter wonderland storybook setting in “Frosty The Snowman” and Sinatra delivers mid-century style, glitz and grace as only he can in the holiday classics, “The Christmas Waltz” and “Mistletoe and Holly.”

“UMe is incredibly honored and excited to partner with these legendary artists and estates to celebrate their iconic holiday songs and give them official videos,” says Bruce Resnikoff, President and CEO of UMe, the global catalog company of UMG. “Last year was the first time we created holiday videos and we had such a tremendous response that we’ve gone all in again this year and our content team and Fantoons have really outdone themselves. These songs are some of the most popular year to year and we hope these videos brighten up fans holidays as well as attract new audiences across the digital platforms they inhabit. Similar to before, the video assets and creative will be deployed across UMe’s holiday marketing and advertising campaigns for a cohesive look and feel and to achieve greater engagement across a broader audience.”

MARY CROSBY OF THE BING CROSBY ESTATE:

“Keeping dad's spirit alive, especially during the holidays, is not only of huge importance to us as a family, but to everyone. During these trying times his voice gives hope and comfort to all of us. I am thrilled that there is another way dad is being seen and heard. I love the videos Universal came up with and, of course, love his music! Dad believed supporting the troops was one of the most important contributions that he made in his life. When he was asked about his career it wasn't his awards or the fame that came his way, it was that ‘in some small way, if he made the life of a soldier a little bit easier then, that was what mattered. The video for ‘White Christmas’ is a wonderful tribute to his love and appreciation for the troops.”

CHARLES BERRY JR. OF THE CHUCK BERRY ESTATE:

"What an honor to have ‘Run Rudolph Run’ given such a dazzling visualization as its first music video! The marriage of animation and music could not be better – you can’t beat flying reindeer, Santa Claus and electric guitar! My dad always told stories in his songs and his poetic skills are on full display here. The lyrics tell a Christmas story that young and old can’t help but enjoy. Fun, frolicking and certainly perfect for the season, it was a holiday favorite in our house and we hope this video for a timeless Chuck Berry song brings joy and helps people get in the spirit this holiday season.”

RICHARD ROSMAN AND FRAN MORRIS ROSMAN OF THE ELLA FITZGERALD FOUNDATION: 

“Since it was released 60 years ago, Ella Fitzgerald’s Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas has remained a perennial and beloved standard for the holidays, livening up countless festivities and family gatherings with its joyful and jazzy takes on Christmas classics, including the swinging ‘Frosty The Snowman. The Ella Fitzgerald Estate is thrilled to partner with UMe to bring Ella and Frosty to colorful life in this fantastic, beautifully animated video and hope that both Ella’s fans and the new generations just discovering her music will love it. What a wonderful gift for the song and album to receive as it celebrates its 60th anniversary!”

NANCY SINATRA OF FRANK SINATRA ENTERPRISES:

“I really think he might be the voice of Christmas. I just think that the sentimentality of my dad’s recordings is what grabs people. He was emotional when he sang them, and people are emotional when they hear them. That doesn’t really change."

These videos are just some of the many ways that UMe is celebrating its unmatched Christmas catalog and helping to turn up the joy this holiday season. In addition to the new animated videos, a variety of “Christmas With…” collections for artists including The Beach Boys, Bing Crosby, Brenda Lee, Burl Ives, Chuck Berry, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, The Jackson 5 and Nat King Cole are available to stream on your favorite DSP and there’s of course the annual Christmas Music playlist which features some of the most popular songs and artists across the holiday music canon, pairing timeless classics with contemporary favorites. The hours-long –and ever-expanding – playlist is available to stream now: https://Stream.lnk.to/ChristmasPR

Christmas With The Beach Boys

Christmas with Bing Crosby

Christmas with Brenda Lee

Christmas with Burl Ives

Christmas with Chuck Berry

Christmas with Dean Martin

Christmas With Ella Fitzgerald

Christmas With The Jackson 5

Christmas with Nat King Cole

 uDiscover Music is also getting into the spirit with their just launched holiday hub which will feature a variety of gift guides for all types of music lovers, eclectic playlists and the memorable stories behind classic holiday tunes. Visit it here: https://uDiscover.lnk.to/Christmas2020

For those looking for more holiday entertainment, The Ed Sullivan Show’s official YouTube channel is celebrating the season with a music-and laughter-filled holiday playlist. Classics include “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry, “Jingle Bells” by Paul Anka, and more. Festive fun lights up things with “Mrs. Claus Interview” by Stiller & Meara, “Deck The Halls” by the Baird Puppets and holiday cheer with The Muppets.

Forget Black Friday, Franksgiving is the real event as today ushers in the long-awaited release of Alex Winter’s highly acclaimed documentary, “Zappa,” about the prolific genius composer, free speech activist, cultural ambassador to Czechoslovakia and legendary musician, Frank Zappa, as well as the surprise digital release of the corresponding Zappa Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. A perfect complement to the film, the 68-track soundtrack is available to stream and download now via Zappa Records/UMe. “Zappa” is now available everywhere in the U.S. on demand from Magnolia Pictures.

Listen to Zappa Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: https://FrankZappa.lnk.to/Soundtrack

Watch “Zappa”: https://www.thezappamovie.com

Today also sees the launch of pre-orders for several physical releases of the soundtrack including in two deluxe formats: a 3CD edition slated for February 19, 2021 and a 5LP box set planned for May 7, 2021, which will be available on 180-gram black vinyl as well as on limited edition 180-gram smoke vinyl, exclusively via Zappa.com, uDiscover and Sound of Vinyl online stores. The deluxe physical and digital editions showcase Zappa’s unique sonic brilliance and nearly every song heard in the film, including 12 previously unreleased recordings from The Vault, which include performances from the Whisky A Go-Go in 1968, the Fillmore West in ‘70 and Zappa’s famed performance of “Dancin’ Fool” on “Saturday Night Live” in ’78. The soundtrack spans Zappa’s expansive catalog with 25 additional songs from across his peerless and influential career, from his seminal 1966 debut double album with the Mothers of Invention, Freak Out!, to the final release of his lifetime, 1993’s The Yellow Shark, a live orchestral album performed by the Ensemble Modern in Europe in 1992.

The soundtrack features songs from Zappa’s record labels Straight and Bizarre Records such as “No Longer Umpire” from Alice Cooper’s debut album, Pretties For You, originally released on Straight in 1969; “The Captain’s Fat Theresa Shoes” by GTO’s, from the all-girl group’s one and only album, Permanent Damage, produced by Zappa. It also includes two classical compositions by Zappa’s lifetime inspirations Edgard Varese and Igor Stravinsky as well as several interview clips. The soundtrack is rounded out with 26 original score cues newly composed by John Frizzell for the documentary.

A 2LP edition on 180-gram clear vinyl and 21-track digital edition will also be available, collecting together eight of the unreleased recordings from the Zappa archive, the SNL performance and 13 recordings from Zappa’s extensive recording career.

Pre-order Zappa Original Motion Soundtrack now: https://FrankZappa.lnk.to/Soundtrack

With unfettered access to the Zappa Trust and all archival footage, “Zappa” explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Winter’s assembly features appearances by Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa and several of his musical collaborators including Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others. Announced on Kickstarter in 2016, the film became the highest-funded documentary in the crowdfunding site’s history.

Taken together “Zappa” and the companion soundtrack offer a riveting, revealing and emotional portrait of Frank Zappa, a trailblazer, iconoclast, virtuosic musician and fearless artist who forever changed music and culture with his unconventional and uncompromising vision. From his early psychedelic rock beginnings to his avant-garde experimentation, jazz-rock explorations, symphonic suites and satirical send-ups to his conceptual, compositional and technological innovations, Zappa shattered the norms every step of the way and his influence and ethos continues to reverberate as strongly today as ever.

Yusuf / Cat Stevens has announced CatSong Festival, a special live YouTube broadcast in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his classic 1970 albums Tea For The Tillerman and Mona Bone Jakon, two records that have touched the hearts of millions and elevated Yusuf / Cat Stevens to legendary status as a musician and songwriter.

More than 40 artists have generously given their time and talent to perform songs from across his entire catalog, including the likes of Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, HAIM, James Morrison, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Passenger and more. Fans can expect new interpretations of “Wild World,” “Peace Train,” “Father And Son” and more of Yusuf’s hits and classic songs. This wonderful collection of covers will be broadcast on the official Yusuf / Cat Stevens YouTube channel on December 5th at 12 am PST/ 8 pm GMT, HERE.

The CatSong festival will see participation from artists across a wide range of different musical backgrounds and at various stages of their careers, representing the unity and spirit of inclusion that is an essential aspect of Yusuf’s message of peace. The remarkable quality and sincerity of the performances that make up this project shows how profoundly Yusuf’s influence is felt at all levels in the industry; from those just starting out on their musical journey to those who have become legends in their own right and at all points in between.

With the extended disruption to the music industry due to the global pandemic, the CatSong Festival has taken on a new significance. Having had to cancel a full year of scheduled touring in 2020, Yusuf is all too aware of the significant threat that the ongoing pandemic poses to live music and is keen to be a part of the solution. He sincerely hopes that this event will give the participating artists a chance to share their talents with his and each other’s audiences. At all levels of the industry, it is imperative that we find ways to allow musicians to connect with new audiences to keep the flame of live music burning.

December 5th will see special performances from artists including:

Dave Matthews, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Jack Johnson, HAIM, Passenger, Andy Allo, James Morrison, Imelda May, Feist, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy & Matt Sweeney, Ron Sexsmith, Eliane Correa & Fedzilla, Hamza Namira, Ariel Posen, Mimi Naja, Vintage Trouble, The Brothers Landreth feat. Murray Pulver,  Mary Spender, Mollie Marriott, Jason Kerrison, Matt Costa, Sad13, Ruby Waters & Debbie Bechamp, Braison Cyrus, Cinzia & The Eclipse, Mark Diamond, The Lucky 13s, Laura Sheeran & Brian Bolger, Bonnie  Laughton Kora, Noah Kahan, Parker Gispert, The Heartstrings Project, Leoni Jane Kennedy and more TBA.

In the fall of 2017, when Little Steven landed in Liverpool on his sold out European tour with his newly reformed band the Disciples of Soul in support of Soulfire, his first new album in nearly two decades, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician, songwriter and lifelong Beatles fan played an extraordinary surprise set outside of the legendary Cavern Club as a tribute to the seminal band that inspired him and so many others to pick up a guitar and start a band after witnessing their musical revolution on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964. The intimate lunchtime gig saw Little Steven aka Stevie Van Zandt lead his 15-strong band through rocking renditions of "Magical Mystery Tour," "Good Morning, Good Morning," "Got To Get You Into My Life," and "All You Need Is Love," alongside iconic songs famously performed by the nascent Fab Four, including "Boys" (originally by The Shirelles), "Slow Down" (by Larry Williams) and "Soldier Of Love" (first recorded by Arthur Alexander).

“Playing in the same venue where The Beatles started their careers was a childhood dream of mine come true,” says Van Zandt. “This was a band that set me on course for a life of music. For my rock ‘n’ roll religion, The Cavern is the first sacred site (after the 4 clubs in Hamburg they played!). It was an honor – no, make that an epiphany – to perform there.”

Fortunately for those that weren’t there to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event, the concert was professionally filmed and expertly recorded by Van Zandt’s touring film and audio crew and is now slated for wide release on CD/DVD as Macca To Mecca on January 29 via Wicked Cool Records/UMe. The 13-song love letter to the Beatles kicks off with a riveting performance of "I Saw Her Standing There" recorded at The Roundhouse in London in November of 2017 with a special appearance by Paul McCartney.

Macca To Mecca, which was previously only available as part of the vinyl box set and Blu-ray editions of his concert album, Soulfire Live!, includes the complete Cavern Club concert in both video and audio, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and a special documentary that sees Van Zandt honored with a brick in the club’s hallowed Wall of Fame before leading his band through swift rehearsals of Beatles songs mere minutes ahead of their performance.

The Macca To Mecca concert audio has also been added to a newly expanded 4CD version of SOULFIRE LIVE!, which will be also be released on January 29. Culled from the best performances from the band’s North American and European concerts, this live collection features Van Zandt and the Disciples of Soul taking listeners through a musical history lesson as they blast through an arsenal of songs spanning rock, pop, soul, blues, funk, doo-wop, reggae and everything in between. Nearly every song from his 2016 album SOULFIRE is represented along with inspired covers and classic tracks from his early catalog. Among the album’s many highlights are original songs from throughout Little Steven’s illustrious solo career – including classics like “Standing In The Line Of Fire” and “I Don’t Want To Go Home” – alongside a number of favorite cover versions like The Electric Flag’s “Groovin’ Is Easy,” Etta James’ “Blues Is My Business,” and James Brown’s “Down And Out In New York City. In addition, SOULFIRE LIVE! includes Van Zandt’s inimitable introductions, detailing each song’s unique history and singular spot in his life and illustrious career. Disc 3 showcases special guest appearances from some of Van Zand’ts closest friends, collaborators, and favorite artists and includes inspired versions of Moby Grape’s “Can’t Be So Bad” performed with the legendary San Francisco band’s founding member, Jerry Miller; the Motown classic, “Can I Get A Witness,” performed with New Jersey’s own Richie Sambora; The J. Geils Band’s “Freeze Frame” with vocals from the one and only Peter Wolf; and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” and Little Steven’s own “I Don’t Want To Go Home,” both joined by Bruce Springsteen.

Pre-order Macca To Mecca: https://LittleSteven.lnk.to/MaccaToMeccaPR
Pre-order Soulfire Live! Expanded Edition: https://LittleSteven.lnk.to/SoulfireLive4CDPR

In a year like no other, Van Zandt has kept extraordinarily busy with a slew of releases and projects, including the release of Rock N Roll Rebel – The Early Work, a multi-format box set that collects together all of his pioneering early solo career albums between 1982 and 1999, as well as the landmark protest album, Sun City, by Artists United Against Apartheid, the supergroup of musicians brought together by Van Zandt and record producer Arthur Baker to fight racial injustice in South Africa; an acclaimed new record with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band; and an exuberant new holiday song penned for Netflix’s just-released movie, “The Christmas Chronicles 2,” directed by Chris Columbus. The joyous, soul-filled romp, “The Spirit Of Christmas,” sees him reuniting with his friend, the incomparable Darlene Love, who he worked with on their holiday hit “All Alone on Christmas” for “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York,” and her raved about 2015 album, Introducing Darlene Love, which he produced. The song is featured prominently in the sequel with a joyous onscreen musical number performed by Love and Kurt Russell who bring some Christmas magic to weary holiday travelers in a bustling airport terminal in the 1990s.

In celebration of “The Spirit of Christmas” and the Christmas spirit, Van Zandt, who regularly DJs on his Little Steven’s Underground Garage channel on SiriusXM and the nationally syndicated show of the same name, has put together a playlist featuring some of his favorite holiday songs. Kicking off with Chuck Berry’s immortal “Run Rudolph Run,” “Little Steven’s Christmas Party Playlist” mixes up Christmas classics with lesser known gems and includes songs by Bob Seger, The Kinks, Slade, Brian Setzer, Jan & Dean, Louis Prima, Joe Pesci, Dion and Ringo Starr alongside Van Zandt’s original Christmas tunes, “The Spirit Of Christmas,” “All Alone on Christmas” and his inspired, horn-drenched rendition of The Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight).” Listen here: https://LittleSteven.lnk.to/ChristmasPlaylistPR

MACCA TO MECCA TRACKLISTING

CD

1. I Saw Her Standing There Intro
2. I Saw Her Standing There
3. Cavern Club Intro
4. Magical Mystery Tour
5. Boys
6. Slow Down Intro

7. Slow Down
8. Some Other Guy
9. Soldier Of Love Intro
10. Soldier Of Love (Lay Down Your Arms)
11. Good Morning Good Morning
12. Got To Get You Into My Life
13. All You Need Is Love
14. Birthday

DVD
1. I Saw Her Standing There Intro
2. I Saw Her Standing There
3. Cavern Club Featurette
4. Cavern Club
5. Magical Mystery Tour
6. Boys
7. Slow Down Intro
8. Slow Down
9. Some Other Guy
10. Soldier Of Love Intro
11. Soldier Of Love (Lay Down Your Arms)
12. Good Morning Good Morning
13. Got To Get You Into My Life
14. All You Need Is Love
15. Birthday

SOULFIRE LIVE! (4CD) TRACKLISTING

CD1
1. Mike Stoller Intro
2. Sweet Soul Music
3. Soulfire
4. I’m Coming Back
5. Blues Is My Business Intro
6. Blues Is My Business
7. Love ON The Wrong Side Of Town
8. Until The Good Is Gone
9. Angel Eyes
10. Some Things Just Don’t Change
11. Saint Valentine’s Day Intro
12. Saint Valentine’s Day
13. Standing In The Line Of Fire Intro
14. Standing In The Line Of Fire
15. I Saw The Light
16. Salvation

CD2
1. The City Weeps Tonight Intro
2. The City Weeps Tonight
3. Down and Out in New York City
4. Princess Of Little Italy Intro
5. Princess Of Little Italy
6. Solidarity
7. Leonard Peltier
8. I Am A Patriot
9. Groovin’ Is Easy
10. Ride The Night Away Intro
11. Ride The Night Away
12. Bitter Fruit
13. Forever
14. I Don’t Want To Go Home
15. Out Of The Darkness Intro
16. Out Of The Darkness

CD3
1. Checkpoint Charlie Intro
2. Checkpoint Charlie
3. Even The Losers
4. Can’t Be So Bad
5. You Shook Me All Night Long
6. Working Class Hero
7. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place
8. Can I Get A Witness
9. It’s Not My Cross To Bear Intro
10. It’s Not My Cross To Bear
11. Freeze Frame
12. The Time Of Your Life
13. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
14. I Don’t Want To Go Home
15. Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight) 

CD4 – Macca To Mecca
1.  Saw Her Standing There Intro
2. I Saw Her Standing There
3. Cavern Club Intro
4. Magical Mystery Tour
5. Boys
6. Slow Down Intro
7. Slow Down
8. Some Other Guy
9. Soldier Of Love Intro
10. Soldier Of Love (Lay Down Your Arms)
11. Good Morning Good Morning
12. Got To Get You Into My Life
13. All You Need Is Love
14. Birthday

The Beach Boys help surfing Santa deliver holiday cheer in “Little Saint Nick,” Bing Crosby goes tiki for a tropical Christmas in “Mele Kalikimaka,” Nat King Cole performs “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” as a brother and sister embark on a Christmas Eve adventure and discover the meaning of Christmas, and Peggy Lee soundtracks the hustle, bustle and excitement of the last day in the office before the holiday break in “Happy Holiday,” in the first-ever official videos for these Classic Christmas songs. The videos are the latest from UMe, the global catalog company of UMG, which has partnered with legendary artists and estates to create vibrant new visuals for some of the most iconic and beloved songs in the Christmas canon that have never had a video. The initiative recently launched with animated clips for Chuck Berry, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and two of Crosby’s other chestnuts.

The beautifully hand drawn and painted videos were created by Fantoons Animation Studios with the exception of “Happy Holiday,” which was illustrated by BluBlu Studios in a distinctive, vintage style. The recently released videos feature Crosby bringing joy to a down in the dumps town with his trusty Bing-O-Matic™ in “Winter Wonderland” and crooning over a multigenerational military family’s holiday gatherings in “White Christmas,” guitar-clad Chuck Berry giving Santa a hand with his Christmas rounds in vintage comic book style in “Run Rudolph Run,” Ella Fitzgerald and Frosty delighting in a winter wonderland storybook setting in “Frosty The Snowman” and Frank Sinatra delivering mid-century style, glitz and grace as only he can in the holiday classics, “The Christmas Waltz” and “Mistletoe and Holly.”

“UMe is incredibly honored and excited to partner with these legendary artists and estates to celebrate their iconic holiday songs and give them official videos,” says Bruce Resnikoff, President and CEO of UMe, the global catalog company of UMG. “Last year was the first time we created holiday videos and we had such a tremendous response. These songs are some of the most popular year to year and we hope these videos brighten up fans’ holidays.”

As the year's celebrations commemorating the legendary Bob Marley's 75th birthday continue, yet more incredible collector edition items and activations have been announced and released for December and January 2021.

On January 29, 2021, the highly acclaimed Songs of Freedom: The Island Years, an extraordinary 6LP set, as well as a 3CD set, will be re-released worldwide. A limited-edition color 6LP set featuring two red, two green, and two gold vinyl LPs will also be available.  Streamlined to the period of Bob Marley's emergence and stardom, with rare tracks on vinyl for the first time outside Jamaica, Songs of Freedom: The Island Years is available to listen to or pre-order HERE

In addition to Songs Of Freedom, twelve limited-edition Bob Marley vinyl LP's pressed exclusively at the legendary Tuff Gong International headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, will be available on January 22, 2021. The Jamaican pressings will include nine original studio albums, two original live albums, plus the world's best-selling reggae album, Legend, all individually numbered along with a highly-desirable Tuff Gong stamp. Catch A Fire, The Wailers' debut album, will be available in its original Jamaica-recorded version, with two extra tracks from the sessions and some tracks with longer fades. Originally recorded in Jamaica, Catch A Fire was eventually released with overdubs and a mix overseen by Island founder Chris Blackwell at the label's London headquarters. Produced entirely by Bob Marley & the Wailers and mixed by longtime Marley associate Errol Brown, this Jamaican version will be on vinyl for the first time. The limited-edition albums were pressed at Tuff Gong's newly refurbished vinyl pressing plant, which re-opened in summer 2020 and will have an annual capacity of 250,000 units. Dave Cooley mastered each album at Elysian Masters in Los Angeles.  To view the full list of the limited-edition Jamaican LPs, click HERE.  Pre-order HERE.

Additionally, the long-awaited CD version of the iconic Complete Island Recordings LP box was recently released in December and is available now. The Complete Island Recordings CD boxset consists of 11 albums packaged in CD wallets, which are housed in a brushed silver clamshell box that simulates the larger, hinged lighter from the LP set. The set includes all nine Bob Marley & The Wailers studio albums recorded for Island Records, plus two live albums, Live! and Babylon By Bus. To view the full list of the Complete Island CDs included in the box set, click HERE. To listen or purchase, click HERE.

Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio launched last week on SiriusXM channel 19 and will feature the cultural icon's entire music catalog, both live and recorded, including rare recordings, some of which have never been made available to the public. The channel, curated by the Marley family, will include a wide range of Caribbean music from its inception to the present day. Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio will also highlight the branches of his still-growing musical legacy, including The Wailers, I-Threes, Tuff Gong International, the record label founded by Marley in the '70s, and his children and grandchildren as they continue to make their own impact on reggae and popular music. Click HERE for more information on Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio.

On Tuesday, December 15, Ziggy Marley will collaborate with Andra Day for an exceptional primetime performance for PLAY ON: Celebrating the Power of Music to Make Change, an extraordinary benefit concert broadcast, amplifying awareness for transformational racial, social, and food justice. The one-hour special will air on the CBS Network at 8/7c. Ziggy Marley will perform songs from his own catalog while also paying homage to his father's legacy by performing one of Bob Marley's legendary tracks. The benefit concert special will raise funds for two long-standing and vital philanthropic organizations, the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) and WhyHunger, through the Play On Fund created by Sixdegrees.Org.  Click HERE to learn more.

Behind The Cover: Rastaman Vibration with Neville Garrick recently debuted on Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel. A refreshing animated short narrated by Neville Garrick, about the creation of Bob Marley's Rastaman Vibration iconic album artwork. Released on April 30, 1976, it became the band's first album to reach the US Top Ten album chart, peaking at no. 8, and made similar inroads into the UK chart, where it reached no. 15. Behind The Cover: Rastaman Vibration with Neville Garrick is available on Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel. Watch HERE.

A dedicated website for Bob Marley: Legacy was recently launched. A 12 part mini-documentary YouTube series, Bob Marley: Legacy features a collection of intimate conversations and interviews with his family, friends, and fans, Woven together with his original music, remixes, and covers. The series is a cinematic journey through the life, legacy, and relevance Bob Marley still holds today.  Watch episodes one through seven HERE and stay connected to receive updates when new episodes are posted. Curated EPs based on the Bob Marley Legacy series music are also now available on Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel. Listen now to the songs featured in episodes such as 75 Years A Legend and the most recent installment, Freedom Fighter.

Also out now and available exclusively to Amazon Music, Bob Marley's Legend is available in Dolby Atmos. For the first time, fans can listen to classic tracks, including "Is This Love," "Three Little Birds," and more like never before. Listen HERE

Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media in this digital era, and MARLEY75 will serve to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year. Bob Marley's music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice, and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever in 2020. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity, and care is taken to honor Bob's legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures.

Subscribe to Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel and never miss an update.

By the time The Band was ready to record their third album, Stage Fright, in 1970, they were riding high from having released back-to-back albums that solidified them as one of the most exciting and revolutionary groups of the late 1960s. Seemingly coming from nowhere and everywhere in ‘68, their landmark debut album, Music From Big Pink, drew from the American roots music panoply of country, blues, R&B, gospel, soul, rockabilly, the honking tenor sax tradition, hymns, funeral dirges, brass band music, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll to forge a timeless new style that forever changed the course of popular music. When they released their seminal eponymous second album the following year, “The Brown Album” as it would lovingly be called, not much more was known about the reclusive group. The band, made up of four Canadians and one American, was still shrouded in mystery, allowing for listeners and the music press to let their imaginations run wild about who these men were and what this music was that sounded unlike anything else happening at the close of the psychedelic ‘60s. Dressed like 19th century fire-and-brimstone preachers and singing rustic, sepia-toned songs about America and the deep south, The Band – Garth Hudson (keyboards, piano, horn), Levon Helm (drums, vocals, mandolin), Richard Manuel (keyboards, vocals, drums), Rick Danko (bass, vocals, fiddle) and Robbie Robertson (guitar, piano, vocals) – was an enigma, unlike any group that came before or after.

One of the few things known about the elusive band was that, along with neighbor and collaborator Bob Dylan, they called the rural artist community of Woodstock, NY home base, years before the sleepy town became a cultural flashpoint and shorthand for the emerging counterculture in the wake of the massive Woodstock Music & Arts Festival, held 40 miles southwest in Bethel, NY. The one band to actually hail from Woodstock, The Band famously played their second-ever show on the final day of the festival in front of nearly half a million people.

As a result of Woodstock, the small town became a Bohemian mecca of sorts and was overrun by the hordes of people it was now attracting. As a peace offering to their community, The Band rented out the Woodstock Playhouse to host a concert where they’d debut their new batch of songs they had been workshopping to their neighbors. Fearing that the show would only attract more outsiders and make matters worse it was turned down by the townsfolk. As a result, The Band ended up recording their next album on the playhouse stage, without an audience. Enter: Stage Fright.

On February 12, Capitol/UMe will celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Band’s classic third album, Stage Fright, with a suite of newly remixed, remastered and expanded 50th Anniversary Edition packages, including a multi-format Super Deluxe 2CD/Blu-ray/1LP/7-inch vinyl box set photo booklet; digital, 2CD, 180-gram black vinyl, and limited edition 180-gram color vinyl packages. All the Anniversary Edition releases were overseen by principal songwriter Robbie Robertson and boast a new stereo mix by Bob Clearmountain from the original multi-track masters. For the first time, the album is being presented in the originally planned song order. The box set, CD and digital configurations feature a bevy of unreleased recordings, including Live at the Royal Albert Hall, June 1971, a thrilling full concert captured in the midst of their European tour as the band was at the top of its game; alternate versions of “Strawberry Wine” and “Sleeping;” and seven unearthed field recordings, Calgary Hotel Recordings, 1970, a fun and loose, impromptu late night hotel jam session between Robertson, Danko and Manuel of several Stage Fright songs recorded while the album was in the mixing stage.  

Exclusively for the box set, Clearmountain has also created a new 5.1 surround mix and a hi-res stereo mix of the album, bonus tracks and the live show, presented on Blu-ray. All the new audio mixes have been mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering. The set also includes an exclusive reproduction of the Spanish pressing of The Band’s 1971 7-inch vinyl single for “Time To Kill” b/w “The Shape I’m In” in their new stereo mixes and a photo booklet with new notes by Robbie Robertson and touring photographer John Scheele, who recorded the Calgary Hotel Recordings; plus a reprinting of the original Los Angeles Times album review by famed critic Robert Hilburn; three classic photo lithographs; and a wealth of photographs from Scheele and several other photographers.

Pre-order for the Stage Fright 50th anniversary editions is available now and the first taste of the new mix can be heard with today’s release of “The Shape I’m In” (2020 Mix), streaming now and available for immediate download with digital album pre-order. Listen to “The Shape I’m In” and pre-order Stage Fright (50th Anniversary Edition): here: https://TheBand.lnk.to/StageFrightPR

As with the acclaimed 50th anniversary collections for Music From Big Pink and the self-titled record, Clearmountain and Robertson’s approach to remixing the beloved album was done with the utmost care and respect for the music and what The Band represents. “Doing new mixes on these songs with Bob Clearmountain has been a gift and special opportunity,” Robertson writes in the new liner notes. “Glyn Johns and Todd [Rundgren] did a terrific job on the original mixes in England while The Band was on the Festival Express train tour across Canada with Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. We had always been part of the mixing process before, which left something on this album feeling a little unfinished. Clearmountain has taken this music and given it the sonic lift it deserves. The album has become a whole new listening experience with the original song order and the depth of these mixes.” The result is a new mix that allows listeners to hear these timeless songs clearer than ever before. “There may be some purists that prefer ‘the way it was,’ and of course that’s always readily available,” adds Robertson. “I’m enjoying this new version, this story, this musical journey. It feels like a fulfillment and I know my brothers in The Band would definitely agree.”

In the spring of 1971, The Band set off to Europe where they hadn’t played since their tumultuous tour with Bob Dylan in 1966, where they were booed every night as the folk rock purists felt betrayed by Dylan who had gone electric, backed by The Hawks who would soon after become The Band. Not having played there in five years, the guys were understandably weary and didn’t know what to expect, but instead of boos they received a rapturous response at their first concert in Hamburg, Germany and would go on to play for one enthusiastic crowd after another. “Each member of The Band was on a musical high. Everybody playing and singing at the top of their game. Each night, from Amsterdam to Paris to Copenhagen, the spirit kept rising,” remarks Robertson. When it came to the band’s concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, they wanted to document it so EMI taped it on a 4-track machine. For the first time ever, this concert recording is being released as Live At The Royal Albert Hall, 1971, an exhilarating 20-song set that captures the band firing on all cylinders and delivering rousing performances of songs from their then-recently released third album alongside their most popular tracks from Music From Big Pink and “The Brown Album” such as “The Weight,” “King Harvest (Has Surely Come),” “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Across The Great Divide,” “Chest Fever,” and inspired covers of Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” and the Stevie Wonder-penned, Four Tops hit, “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever.” With the help of Clearmountain, these recordings have been restored nearly five decades later, allowing listeners to experience what Robertson call “One of the greatest live concerts The Band ever played.”

Whereas this electrifying concert showcases The Band playing as good as they ever did, The Calgary Hotel Recordings, 1970 offer a glimpse into a different kind of performance, the kind of fun, spur-of-the-moment jam sessions that were bound to happen whenever the guys were together in a hotel room or backstage on tour. As Robertson started to run through some of The Band’s new songs recently recorded for Stage Fright, photographer John Scheele, who was traveling with the group on the Festival Express, hit record on his portable cassette recorder and captured the spontaneous performance late at night on July 3, 1970 in Calgary, the last stop of the legendary tour. The field recordings, which feature Robertson on guitar and vocals with Danko harmonizing and playing rhythm and Manuel joining in on vocals and harmonica, are a fascinating document that lets fans hear the friends letting loose and having a good time together doing what they loved to do.

Released on August 17, 1970, Stage Fright features two of The Band’s best-known songs, “The Shape I’m In” and the title track, both of which showcased inspired lead vocal performances by Manuel and Danko, respectively and became staples in the group’s live shows. Recorded over 12 days on the stage of the Woodstock Playhouse, the album was self-produced by The Band for the first time and engineered and mixed by Todd Rundgren with additional mixing by Glyn Johns. Coming off the heels of the band’s monumental debut and sophomore records, Stage Fright cemented The Band as one of the most exciting and important musical acts of the ‘60s and ‘70s. As noted music critic Robert Hilburn wrote in his glowing review for the Los Angeles Times, “Like the first two albums, the new one features a staggering display of musical prowess – superb instrumentation, precise vocals and rich, timeless lyrics,” adding, “At least five of the songs, including ‘The Rumor,’ ‘Daniel and the Sacred Harp, ‘The Shape I’m In’ and ‘Time to Kill’ rank comfortably alongside ‘The Weight,’ The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ and a few others as the best things the group has ever done.” Stage Fright peaked at #5 on Billboard, surpassing The Band’s first two albums, and went gold. 

For the 50th Anniversary collection, the sequence has been changed to present Stage Fright with the originally planned song order. “On the album, we used a different sequence to feature and encourage Richard and Levon’s songwriting participation,” Robertson reveals. “Over time, I pined for our first song order, because it pulls you right into the Stage Fright scenario.”

Fifty years on, lifelong fans and those just discovering The Band can experience the album in a whole new way, sounding better than ever, or for the first time.

Stage Fright (50th Anniversary Edition) Tracklisting

CD1; Digital
1. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show
2. The Shape I’m In
3. Daniel And The Sacred Harp
4. Stage Fright
5. The Rumor
6. Time To Kill
7. Just Another Whistle Stop
8. All La Glory
9. Strawberry Wine
10. Sleeping
Bonus Tracks
11. Strawberry Wine (Alternate Mix) *
12. Sleeping (Alternate Mix) *

Calgary Hotel Room Recordings, 1970 *
13. Get Up Jake (#1) *
14. Get Up Jake (#2) *
15. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show *
16. Rockin’ Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu *
17. Calgary Blues *
18. Before You Accuse Me *
19. Mojo Hannah *

* Previously unreleased

CD2; Digital
Live At Royal Albert Hall, June 1971
(Previously Unreleased)
1. The Shape I’m In
2. Time To Kill
3. The Weight
4. King Harvest (Has Surely Come)
5. Strawberry Wine
6. Rockin’ Chair
7. Look Out Cleveland
8. I Shall Be Released
9. Stage Fright
10. Up On Cripple Creek
11. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show
12. We Can Talk
13. Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
14. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
15. Across the Great Divide
16. The Unfaithful Servant
17. Don’t Do It
18. The Genetic Method
19. Chest Fever
20. Rag Mama Rag

Blu-ray
Stereo and 5.1 Surround
High Resolution Audio: 96 kHz/24 bit

DISC 1
1. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show
2. The Shape I’m In
3. Daniel And The Sacred Harp
4. Stage Fright
5. The Rumor
6. Time To Kill
7. Just Another Whistle Stop
8. All La Glory
9. Strawberry Wine
10. Sleeping
Bonus Tracks
11. Strawberry Wine (Alternate Mix) *
12. Sleeping (Alternate Mix) *

* Previously unreleased

DISC 2
Live At Royal Albert Hall, June 1971
(Previously Unreleased)
1. The Shape I’m In
2. Time To Kill
3. The Weight
4. King Harvest (Has Surely Come)
5. Strawberry Wine
6. Rockin’ Chair
7. Look Out Cleveland
8. I Shall Be Released
9. Stage Fright
10. Up On Cripple Creek
11. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show
12. We Can Talk
13. Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
14. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
15. Across the Great Divide
16. The Unfaithful Servant
17. Don’t Do It
18. The Genetic Method
19. Chest Fever
20. Rag Mama Rag

1LP (33 1/3 RPM)
180g black vinyl (included in the box set and available individually); ltd. edition 180g multi-colored vinyl (available individually)

Side One
1. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show
2. The Shape I’m In
3. Daniel And The Sacred Harp
4. Stage Fright
5. The Rumor

Side Two
1. Time To Kill
2. Just Another Whistle Stop
3. All La Glory
4. Strawberry Wine
5. Sleeping

“Time To Kill” (Original 1971 7” Capitol Single, Spanish Pressing)

A. Time To Kill
B. The Shape I’m In

Yusuf / Cat Stevens has shared a new music video for “Tea for the Tillerman” in a poignant message of hope and optimism for 2021. Watch Here

The new video arrives following a 2020 that saw spectacular celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Cat Stevens’ classic era-defining album, Tea for the Tillerman. Reimagined, the newly recorded Tea for the Tillerman² saw Yusuf recast the same 11 songs for a new age with dramatic results.

Described as “a statement of intent, as pertinent today as it was when it came out in 1970” by GQ (UK), “a powerful way to track the passing of time" by the NME and a “fascinating project” by Forbes, the album received glowing reviews across the US and UK where it debut at #4 in the UK albums chart, marking Yusuf’s ninth UK top 10 album and highest charting studio release in over 40 years. Rolling Stone enthused, “The new renditions of the 11 Tea for the Tillerman tracks are not note-for-note recreations. In many cases, they are lusher than the sparse originals and some take surprising left turns, like a funkafied ‘Longer Boats’ featuring guest vocals from rapper Brother Ali. ‘Wild World,’ meanwhile, now sounds almost like a waltz. That said, Yusuf worked hard to maintain the same spirit of the originals.” Billboard exclaimed, “The reinvention upends many of the familiar arrangements, while staying blessedly true to the mission of the album—to explore life and oneself fearlessly” while American Songwriter declared, “the unmistakable, rich, booming voice of Yusuf / Cat Stevens is in fantastic form.”

The new music video for ‘Tea for the Tillerman²’ bookends a series of striking new visual collaborations. “Where Do The Children Play?” saw Yusuf and acclaimed director Chris Hopewell, with Black Dog Films, exploring the possibilities of waste free music video production, with 90% of props and scenery made from recycled materials. The brilliantly eccentric “Wild World” combined elements of Wes Anderson, “Casablanca” and Bugsy Malone as child actors played out a Blackjack gambling duel. “On The Road To Find Out”’s journey of self-discovery recalled sci-fi classics such as “Star Wars,” “Dune” and even “Mad Max,” with an added touch of magic realism, and “Father & Son” saw a stunning stop-frame animation, again partnering with Hopewell, relocating the narrative into a modern, emotive suburban setting.

Following the widely acclaimed release of Tea for the Tillerman², December 2020 saw the 50th anniversary celebrations continue. Released only seven months apart in 1970, the two albums that first established Cat Stevens as his generation’s premier acoustic troubadour, then lifted him to international superstardom, Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman received Super Deluxe Collector’s Edition anniversary box set releases. Described as “joyously overwhelming" by Record Collector, and Uncut confirming that “half a century on, the naked intimacy of the songs still sounds fresh and alluring,” each are filled with unheard studio material, unreleased tracks, and a host of other rarities from this era.

A virtual festival celebrating the music of Yusuf / Cat Stevens closely followed. Over 40 artists including Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, HAIM, Feist, James Morrison, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Passenger, as well as a host of rising talent, performed songs from across Yusuf’s entire catalogue, broadcast live to thousands of fans in an evening truly representative of the unity and spirit of inclusion that is an essential aspect of Yusuf’s perennial message of peace. Watch here

The Black Crowes Present: Shake Your Money Maker, the multi-platinum debut by the seminal rock n' roll band The Black Crowes, is being re-released in multi-formats sets on February 26, 2021, through UMe/American Recordings. Band founders, brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, with original producer George Drakoulias, oversaw the creation of the re-release.  Most exciting are the  4LP and 3CD Super Deluxe versions, which includes the original album, remastered; 3 never-before-heard studio recordings; 2 unreleased demos from the band's early incarnation as Mr. Crowe's Garden;  B-sides; a spectacular, high-energy 14-song unreleased concert recorded in their hometown of Atlanta, GA in December 1990; reproductions of an early Mr. Crowe's Garden show flyer, setlist and tour laminate; a 4" Crowes patch; and a 20-page book with liner notes by David Fricke. To listen or pre-order Shake Your Money Maker, click HERE

One of the previously unheard studio songs, "Charming Mess," which was originally slated to be the band's first single, but was ultimately left off of the album entirely, is available today.

Listen to "Charming Mess" HERE

A 2CD Deluxe version has the remastered album along with the unreleased studio songs, demos, and b-sides. There are also standard 1CD and1LP versions that are the mastered version of the original.

Shake Your Money Maker was released originally in 1990 when rock was dominated by cheesy pop and hair metal. The Black Crowes gave the genre a much-needed swift kick in the ass with their debut album. That album, fueled by singles "Jealous Again," "Twice As Hard," "She Talks To Angels," and a rollicking cover of fellow Georgian Otis Redding's "Hard To Handle," the band immediately took the music world by storm, selling over 5 million records and topping Rolling Stone's "Best New American Band Readers Poll" in late 1990.

The Black Crowes plan to hit the road this summer on The Black Crowes Present: Shake Your Money Maker tour and will be playing Shake Your Money Maker in its entirety, plus all of their hits.  Tickets are on sale now.  For more information, click HERE

To listen or pre-order Shake Your Money Maker, click HERE

Shake Your Money Maker 30th Anniversary – 4LP Box Tracklisting:

LP 1: Shake Your Money Maker (2020 Remaster)

Side One:

1 Twice As Hard

2 Jealous Again

3 Sister Luck

4 Could I've Been So Blind

5 Seeing Things

Side Two:

1 Hard To Handle

2 Thick N' Thin

3 She Talks To Angels

4 Struttin' Blues

5 Stare It Cold

6 Mercy, Sweet Moan

LP 2: More Money Maker: Unreleased Songs and B-Sides

Side One:

1 Charming Mess

2 30 Days In The Hole

3 Don't Wake Me

4 Jealous Guy

5 Waitin' Guilty

Side Two:

1 Hard To Handle (With Horns Remix)

2 Jealous Again (Acoustic Version)

3 She Talks To Angels (Acoustic Version)

4 She Talks To Angels (Mr. Crowe's Garden Demo)

5 Front Porch

Sermon (Mr. Crowe's Garden Demo)

LP3 and 4 The Homecoming Concert: Atlanta, GA December 1990

Side One:

1 Introduction

2 Thick N' Thin

3 You're Wrong

4 Twice As Hard

5 Could I've Been So Blind

6 Seeing Things For The First Time

Side Two:

1 She Talks To Angels

2 Sister Luck

3 Hard To Handle

4 Shake 'Em On Down/Get Back

Side Three:

1 Struttin' Blues

2 Words You Throw Away

Side Four:

1 Stare It Cold

2 Jealous Again

Frampton Forgets the Words, the new studio album by The Peter Frampton Band, will be released April 23 via UMe. The album features instrumental tributes to some of Frampton’s favorite songs and is the follow up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, Fingerprints. The first track to be revealed is their take on Radiohead’s “Reckoner,” alongside a video—watch/share HERE.

Frampton Forgets the Words was co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay and was  recorded/mixed at Frampton’s own Studio Phenix in Nashville. With his infamous 1954 Les Paul Phenix—which was lost in a plane crash in 1980 and recovered more than 30 years later —  Frampton brings virtuosic guitar playing to songs by David Bowie, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz and more. See track listing below.

Frampton notes, “This album is a collection of ten of my favorite pieces of music. My guitar is also a voice and I have always enjoyed playing my favorite vocal lines that we all know and love. These tracks are my great band and me paying tribute to the original creators of this wonderful music. So much fun to do and I really hope you enjoy it too."

Peter Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. At 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups, Humble Pie. By 22, he was touring incessantly and making use of the talk box which would become his signature guitar effect. He’s collaborated with such legendary artists as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ringo Starr, among many others, and has toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, and the Steve Miller Band. In 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

His 2019 album All Blues (UMe), was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart, and his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, released last October via Hachette Books, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list. His 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS TRACK LIST

1. If You Want Me To Stay

2. Reckoner

3. Dreamland

4. One More Heartache

5. Avalon

6. Isn’t It A Pity

7. I Don't Know Why

8. Are You Gonna Go My Way

9. Loving The Alien

10. Maybe

After a hugely successful year, Bob Marley 75 continues into 2021 with several birthday celebrations leading up to Marley's 76th Birthday on February 6, including a global virtual birthday celebration hosted by Cedella Marley, Songs of Freedom: The Island Years on 6LP or 3CD, and a Bob Marley Tribute Livestream by Stephen Marley. 

In lieu of the live annual birthday celebration that usually occurs at the Bob Marley Museum every year, Cedella Marley will be hosting a global virtual event for Bob Marley's 76th birthday on February 6.  Inspired by Bob Marley's most militant album, Cedella, the Marley family, friends, and fans worldwide will celebrate Bob Marley's 76th Earthstrong under the theme, SURVIVAL. The virtual celebration will mimic the usual festivities beginning at 7am ET, including messages from the family, a Miami Performance Mash-up featuring the Marley brothers and third-generation Marleys, Survival Cypher performance featuring Skip Marley, Jo Mersa, Tifa, Kabaka Pyramid, Agent Sasco, and Tanya Stephens, More Family Time with Ziggy Marley, Memorial Tributes for Toots Hibbert and Betty Wright, performances from Papa Michigan, Richie Spice, Beenie Man, and more plus "In the Marley Kitchen" featuring Chefs Brian Lumley and Kush McDonald, story reading, yoga, a children's sing-a-long and much more.  The virtual celebration will also feature video tribute messages from family, friends, fellow musicians, and artists from around the world. To watch Marley's 76th Birthday SURVIVAL festivities on Bob Marley's official YouTube channel, click HERE.

Just in time for Marley's birthday, the highly acclaimed Songs of Freedom: The Island Years, an extraordinary 6LP set, as well as a 3CD set, will be available worldwide on February 5. A limited-edition color 6LP set featuring two red, two green, and two gold vinyl LPs is also available.  Streamlined to the period of Bob Marley's emergence and stardom, with rare tracks on vinyl for the first time outside Jamaica, Songs of Freedom: The Island Years is available to listen to or order HERE.

Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio on SiriusXM will also join in the birthday festivities on February 6 with a special "All Bob, All Day," format playing only music from the Bob Marley repertoire in between a series of special programs that begin with a new children's show hosted by Ziggy Marley inspired by Ziggy's Grammy-winning Family Time album and the recently-released follow up More Family Time. Additional programming will feature an exclusive "Survivor 76" party mix from DJ GQ, as well as highlights of the annual "Reggae Jam Session" concert, which traditionally closes the annual birthday celebrations at the Marley Museum in Kingston. The highlights line-up include the late great legends Toots Hibbert and Betty Wright and new performances from Kabaka Pyramid, Papa Michigan, Richie Spice, Tifa, Tanya Stephens, Skip Marley, Jo Mersa Marley, and Agent Sasco.  In addition, Kenny Chesney will help celebrate Marley's birthday by joining the illustrious roster of Guest DJs previously featured on the channel, including Jack Johnson, Carlos Santana, Michael Franti, Big Boi, Cypress Hill, and more. The channel currently includes Marley's studio and live performances, mixing his widely popular songs with rare tracks. Listeners will also hear recordings from the Marley family, cool exclusives, and artists who are a part of the iconic brand and label founded by Bob Marley-Tuff Gong.  Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio is available on channel 19 and the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category. Special programming will continue to air on the channel beyond Marley's birthday in honor of Black History Month.

Peloton and Tuff Gong partnered to launch Peloton's newest signature Artist Series today to kick off Peloton's Black History Month programming and celebrate the birthday of the legendary Bob Marley, that exclusively features and celebrates classes designed around his iconic catalog. Starting February 3, Peloton Members will be able to work out to Bob Marley's music, alongside a community of over 3.6 million, across fitness disciplines ranging from cycling, yoga, strength, and running.

The Peloton Bob Marley Artist Series features an assortment of live and on-demand classes, which can be enjoyed with and without equipment on the Peloton App (which currently offers new Members a free trial for two months through January). In addition to the music featured in Peloton's Bob Marley's class series, this collaboration will give Peloton access to the broader Marley catalog, allowing the brand to share the artist's iconic music with its community. Instructors leading the Artist Series events include: Denis Morton (30 Minute Ride), Kristin McGee (30 Minute Yoga Flow), Emma Lovewell (10 Minute Core Strength), and Selena Samuela (30 Minute Run). To view the full schedule and for more information, visit: www.onepeloton.com.

Plus, Ziggy Marley will also be joining Malcolm Gladwell in conversation about his book, BOB MARLEY: PORTRAIT OF A LEGEND, in honor of Bob Marley's birthday.  The glorious oversized book collects more than 150 photographs that celebrate the life and influence of reggae's forefather and one of the greatest musical and sociopolitical icons of twentieth-century pop culture. The virtual Live Talks Los Angeles event will take place Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET. For tickets or more information, click HERE.

On January 28, CEEK Virtual Reality and Tuff Gong announced a special Stephen Marley virtual performance, celebrating Bob Marley 75. As one of the final pieces of this yearlong celebration, the Grammy® award-winning Jamaican artist performed legendary Bob Marley's songs. The performance is available now on Bob Marley's official YouTube channel and www.ceek.com, as well as a Q&A on the CEEK VR App streaming platform. "In these uncertain times, it brings me great joy to be able to work with a platform like CEEK VR to spread One Love across the globe," says Stephen Marley. The concert is also available in 360VR on CEEK's Virtual Reality platform. The intimate concert will be a global event, bringing together fans under one virtual platform.

In this digital era, Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media, and MARLEY75 serves to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year. Bob Marley's music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice, and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity, and care is taken to honor Bob's legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures.

Tune in and subscribe to the Official Bob Marley YouTube channel HERE for more upcoming content celebrating Bob's legacy and contribution to the world.

Since its beginnings in Jamaica in 1959, the story of the pioneering Island Records label has been inextricably linked to the story of its founder, Chris Blackwell. Now, Blackwell has curated a series of compilation LPs, featuring his hand-picked tracks that correspond with his and Island’s legendary history.

On February 26, Island Records / UMe will release Volume One of The Vinyl Series, a 14-track album covering the years 1962 to 1969. Volumes Two and Three will follow later this year and explore Island’s history in the decades that followed.

“When I moved Island Records’ base from Kingston to London in 1962, all I wanted to do at first was just release the really great music that was coming out of Jamaica,” writes Blackwell in the collection’s liner notes. “But then I got caught up in all the music that I was hearing in London, much of it from America.”

The first volume of The Vinyl Series includes such groundbreaking hits as Millie Small’s “My Boy Lollipop” and “Israelites” by Desmond Dekker and the Aces—songs which introduced much of the world to the sound of Jamaican music. Several early singles set the context for these singles by Toots and the Maytals and “Forward March” by a teenage Derrick Morgan, the “first star of ska.”

The set also points to the expansive musical directions that Island would soon pursue, especially after the 1966 smash “Gimme Some Lovin’ “ by the Spencer Davis Group, whose lead singer, Steve Winwood, would later further influence the label’s direction. Also included are some of the immortal R&B singles that Island released in the UK through its Sue Records subsidiary, like “Mockingbird” by Charlie and Inez Foxx and “Harlem Shuffle” by Bob and Earl. In track-by-track essays by noted author and longtime Island Records chronicler Chis Salewicz, the album package features reminiscences that offer Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Blackwell’s own perspective.

The future volumes of The Vinyl Series will illustrate the visionary role that Island played in the folk, hard rock, singer-songwriter, glam, and progressive movements—and, of course, the records by Bob Marley and the Wailers and Jimmy Cliff, among others, that defined reggae around the world.

“Clearly, the culture was moving in a new direction,” writes Chris Blackwell in the introduction to this revelatory collection, “and I wanted Island Records to mirror that shift and be in this new world.”

Ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend, Patsy Cline’s timeless, aching love song “Crazy” has received its first-ever official video. Directed by director and photographer Natalie O’Moore and beautifully filmed at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge outside of Nashville, the video vividly brings to life the yearning and heartbreak that Cline so perfectly emoted with every line and punctuated with every high note as a young woman, clad in vintage western wear, pines after the object of her desire who is with another woman. As the protagonist sways to the song on the jukebox, what first looked like someone in love starts to look more like an unhealthy infatuation as the night continues and her jealousy grows. A collaboration between the Patsy Cline Estate, UMe and UMG Nashville, the video is available to view now on Cline’s official YouTube channel and kicks off a slew of new video content that in the coming months will include a new lyric video for her hit single “Walkin’ After Midnight” as well as nearly 50 video visualizers from her impressive catalog. Watch “Crazy” here: https://patsycline.lnk.to/crazyvideo

Observant watchers will notice a cameo by country star Mickey Guyton as the performer on stage at the bar. The GRAMMY® nominee is an avowed fan of Cline’s and released a cover of “Crazy” in 2019 (listen here). Guyton is the first Black female solo artist to earn a GRAMMY® nomination in a country category (Best Country Solo Performance for “Black Like Me.”)

"It is wonderful that ‘Crazy’ remains such a beloved song 60 years after mom recorded it and it’s very exciting that its 60th anniversary is being celebrated with this great new video,” said Julie Fudge. “I hope that mom’s fans enjoy it and that it also helps new audiences discover her music.”

“Crazy” is featured on a new digital-only EP titled Love Songs, a five-track collection curated for Valentine’s Day that also includes the enduring classics “I Fall To Pieces,” “You Belong To Me,” “Back In Baby’s Arms,” and “Always.” It’s available to stream now here: https://patsycline.lnk.to/LoveSongs

“Crazy” was written in 1961 by the legendary Willie Nelson when he was a young, struggling, unknown songwriter in Nashville named Hugh Nelson. Cline’s husband, Charlie Dick, first played her the song performed by Paul Buskirk and his Little Men (featuring Nelson) after he discovered it on a jukebox while waiting for her in a bar. While it didn’t make much of an impression on Cline at the time, Dick felt otherwise and went hunting for the record but couldn’t find it since it was on a small label. While at the Grand Ole Opry later that weekend, Nelson gave him a copy and as Dick explained to NPR in 2000, “took it home and listened to it about half the night and kept Patsy up half the night, and she didn't think too much of that.” Eventually a song plugger named Hank Cochran, who worked for the publishing company Nelson was writing for and was excited about the song, brought “Crazy” over to play for Cline while Nelson sat in the car. After some convincing from her producer Owen Bradley who radically changed the arrangement, Cline acquiesced and recorded the song with some changes of her own. Recording began on August 17, 1961, two months after a near-fatal car accident kept her in the hospital for a month. While she was recording, she kept hearing Nelson’s version, which was sung with less emotion and included a spoken section, in her head and she told Bradley she couldn’t sing it “like that.” In addition to this, severe pain in her ribs kept her from singing the high notes so after about four hours of trying Bradley sent her home. The musicians and the vocal group the Jordanaires laid down their parts without her. A week later when she returned to the studio, Bradley told her not to sing it like Nelson but sing it like she would. With Bradley leading and Cline singing, they made it a "Patsy" song and Cline nailed her vocals in one take. Not surprisingly, Nelson has said it is his favorite recording of his song. 

The follow up to her hit single, “I Fall To Pieces,” “Crazy” was an instant smash and soared to #2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart while also furthering her crossover to the mainstream. With its jazzy chords and sophisticated arrangement, uncommon in country music at the time, “Crazy” quickly became Cline’s signature song and cemented her as an icon. Today the song remains an undisputed classic, ubiquitous in pop culture and beloved by generations. As All Music enthused, “the song is one of those indestructible classics, a song so simple in its construction that it could be sung by anyone from Reba McEntire to Elmer Fudd ("cwazy, cwazy fo' feewin' so wonely") and still sound recognizable as real country with a message that crosses both boundaries and demographics.” Named by Rolling Stone as one of “The 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time” and forever enshrined in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, “Crazy” has influenced countless artists and been covered by Linda Ronstadt, LeeAnn Rimes, Mickey Guyton, Julio Iglesias, Shirley Bassey, Chaka Khan, Neil Young, Wanda Jackson, Loretta Lynn, The Kills, and many more, but nobody has ever sang it quite like Patsy Cline.

For 60 years, the legendary Impulse! Records has been home to the greatest jazz artists of all time, including John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Archie Shepp, Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Quincy Jones, and more. The orange-and-black imprint known as the House That Trane Built was a cultural beacon of progressivism, spiritualism, and activism throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the label thrives with a new vanguard of jazz artists including Shabaka Hutchings, Sons of Kemet, The Comet Is Coming, Brandee Younger, Ted Poor and more.

To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Impulse! Records and UMe, the global catalog company of Universal Music Group, announce today a year-long campaign that includes a gorgeous, curated box set, a reimagined Alice Coltrane rarity, Turiya Sings, high-fidelity vinyl reissues, curated playlists, brand partnerships, new deep-dive video content and more to be announced throughout 2021.

Watch A Love Supreme: Deep Dive, which explores the lasting musical and historical importance of John Coltrane’s seminal 1965 recording A Love Supreme

https://Impulse.lnk.to/ALSDeepDivePR

Jamie Krents, EVP of Verve and Impulse! says, “Impulse! Records has an important and enduring legacy that we are proud to celebrate during this anniversary year. We are thrilled to unveil new music, visual content, merchandise, partnerships and more. The famous orange label has been the musical home to progressive artists that pushed the boundaries of music, thought, and culture. Impulse! continues this legacy with a commitment to our history, and our future with artists like Shabaka and Brandee, who both carry the torch and blaze new trails. We are proud to share the story of this remarkable label with the world in this, its 60th year.”

“Over the last 60 years, Impulse! Records has released some of the most important and influential jazz albums of all time and UMe remains honored to continue to help expand the legacy of this exceptional catalog,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe. “We’re thrilled to celebrate six decades of this iconic and truly American label by shining a light all year long on the profound way that Impulse! and its many incredible artists have forever impacted music and culture.”

Today marks the pre-order for Impulse Records: Music, Message & The Moment, a 4-LP museum drop-front box set that tells the story of the political, social and spiritual facets of the artists and music of Impulse! Records. Impulse! was at its prolific height throughout the 1960s, a decade marked by political protest, racial unrest, social revolution, dismantling institutions – not unlike our current times. Jazz was an integral part of exploring Black identity and pushing cultural and political boundaries and conversations, as outlined in the box set essays by poet and critic A.B. Spellman and critic Greg Tate, both of whom offer vital perspective on the importance of this label, the artists and music that flowed through it, and the cultural backdrop. Watch an unboxing video of the set here.

The set features a curation of music that speaks to the political, social and spiritual elements that were swirling in the music during this time. Conversations about civil rights were echoed in records such as John Coltrane’s Alabama, Archie Shepp’s Attica Blues, John and Alice Coltrane’s Reverend King, Charlie Haden and the Liberation Orchestra’s We Shall Overcome, and Oliver Nelson’s The Rights Of All. Spirituality, transcendentalism, and Afrofuturism offered a higher plane of existence and identity through the music of Albert Ayler, Pharoah Sanders, John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane. The historical importance of social music too is reflected in the works of Quincy Jones, John Handy and more.

This summer, Impulse! Records will release a true rarity, Turiya Sings, by Alice Coltrane. Turiya Sings is a record of devotional chants recorded in the early 1980s at her ashram – the only place it was ever available. It is Alice Coltrane at peak spirituality and features her playing organ and chanting.

A version of this music was released on cassette in 1982, with synth and strings added, but never released after. For the first time ever, Turiya Sings will be released in its purest form – just organ and voice –as Alice’s son and reissue producer Ravi Coltrane has long wanted to do. Turiya Sings (Deluxe Edition) will feature both versions of this spiritual recording – both remixed, remastered and released for the first time digitally and physically on CD and LP.

The acclaimed audiophile vinyl reissues series, Acoustic Sounds, (Verve/UMe) will celebrate Impulse! all year long with high-end, audiophile grade pressings of integral records from the label’s vaunted catalog, starting with with Ray Charles’ Genius + Soul = Jazz, which was one of the orange label’s first four commercial releases in 1961. Pre-order Genius + Soul = Jazz here. Gil Evans’ Out of the Cool (pre-order here), Oliver Nelson’s The Blues And The Abstract Truth, Sonny Rollins’ On Impulse! and many more are set for release throughout the year. Utilizing the skills of the top mastering engineers and the unsurpassed production craft of Quality Record Pressings, all titles will be mastered from the original master tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and packaged by Stoughton Printing Co.in high-quality tip-on gatefold jackets. Like all Acoustic Sounds LPs, the releases will be supervised by Chad Kassem, CEO of Acoustic Sounds, the world’s largest source for audiophile recordings.

Additionally, keep an eye out for frontline releases from Sons of Kemet (Spring 2021), Brandee Younger (Summer 2021), and Pino Palladino and Blake Mills (March 2021).

Visit impulserecords.com for more information on Impulse! 60 and to keep up to date with new releases, curated playlists, videos, clothing/branded merchandise and more.

The Zappa Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, the companion album to the highly acclaimed Alex Winter-directed documentary “Zappa” about the prolific genius composer, free speech activist, cultural ambassador to Czechoslovakia and legendary musician, Frank Zappa, is now available as a 3CD deluxe edition via Zappa Records/UMe. The CD collection comes on the heels of the surprise digital release of the soundtrack released in conjunction with the film on Franksgiving, November 27th. A 5LP deluxe vinyl box set, which will be available on 180-gram black vinyl as well as on limited edition 180-gram smoke vinyl, exclusively via Zappa.com, uDiscover and Sound of Vinyl online stores, will arrive May 7th along with a 2LP edition on 180-gram clear vinyl. Pre-order for all vinyl configurations is available now. “Zappa” is available everywhere in the U.S. on demand from Magnolia Pictures.

Listen and purchase Zappa Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: https://FrankZappa.lnk.to/Soundtrack

Watch “Zappa”: https://www.thezappamovie.com

With unfettered access to the Zappa Vault and all its archival footage, “Zappa,” directed by Alex Winter and distributed by Magnolia Pictures, explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Winter’s assembly features appearances by Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa and several of his musical collaborators including Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others. Announced on Kickstarter in 2016, the film became the highest-funded documentary in the crowdfunding site’s history.

Certified “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with 96% on the Tomatometer, the film has received overwhelmingly positive reviews with the Wall Street Journal hailing it as “Compelling. Epic. Accomplishes the acrobatic act of doing justice to a figure like Frank Zappa,” and Variety declaring, “ZAPPA creates an emotional through line that lends a rare clarity to the life and work of this most idiosyncratic of all rock stars,” adding, “A multimedia immersion. When Winter takes on a subject like this one, he doesn’t just explore it; he surrounds and penetrates it. The movie insists on seeing Frank Zappa not from the outside but, rather, in the way that he saw himself: as a deadly serious and obsessive aesthete-musician in freak’s clothing, a man consumed by breaking out of what he viewed as the shackling boundaries of the pop-music business." Washington Post calls it, "a whirlwind yet comprehensive journey through pop culture and politics. Winter gives Zappa pride of place among the most important composers of the 20th century,” while Rolling Stone raves, “ZAPPA does exactly what it sets out to do: establish its subject as one of 20th-century music’s most innovative and uncompromising composers. A perfect roadmap for future generations of fans,” and Mojo describes it as “dazzling and gripping.”

Showcasing Zappa’s unique sonic brilliance and nearly every song heard in the film, the 68-track soundtrack features 12 previously unreleased recordings from The Vault, which include performances from the Whisky A Go-Go in 1968, the Fillmore West in ‘70 and Zappa’s famed performance of “Dancin’ Fool” on “Saturday Night Live” in ’78, and spans Zappa’s expansive catalog with 25 additional songs from across his peerless and influential career, from his seminal 1966 debut double album with the Mothers of Invention, Freak Out!, to the final release of his lifetime, 1993’s The Yellow Shark, a live orchestral album performed by the Ensemble Modern in Europe in 1992.

The soundtrack includes songs from Zappa’s record labels Straight and Bizarre Records such as “No Longer Umpire” from Alice Cooper’s debut album, Pretties For You, originally released on Straight in 1969; “The Captain’s Fat Theresa Shoes” by GTO’s, from the all-girl group’s one and only album, Permanent Damage, produced by Zappa. It also includes two classical compositions by Zappa’s lifetime inspirations Edgard Varese and Igor Stravinsky as well as several interview clips. The soundtrack is rounded out with 26 original score cues newly composed by John Frizzell for the documentary.

Taken together “Zappa” and the companion soundtrack offer a riveting, revealing and emotional portrait of Frank Zappa, a trailblazer, iconoclast, virtuosic musician and fearless artist who forever changed music and culture with his unconventional and uncompromising vision. From his early psychedelic rock beginnings to his avant-garde experimentation, jazz-rock explorations, symphonic suites and satirical send-ups to his conceptual, compositional and technological innovations, Zappa shattered the norms every step of the way and his influence and ethos continues to reverberate as strongly today as ever.

3CD & DIGITAL TRACK LIST:

CD1:

Anyway The Wind Blows (from Freak Out!) – The Mothers of Invention

You’re Probably Wondering Why I’m Here (from Freak Out!) – The Mothers of Invention

Everytime I See You – The Heartbreakers^

Motherly Love (from Freak Out!) – The Mothers of Invention

Memories Of El Monte (Live from the Whisky A Go-Go – June 23, 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

Oh! In The Sky (Live from the Whisky A Go-Go – June 23, 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

The Duke (Live from the Whisky A Go-Go – June 23, 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

How Could I Be Such A Fool? (from Mystery Disc) – Frank Zappa

“The Reason We Have Stayed Together…” – Frank Zappa interview with Warren Duffy / WMEX Boston, MA – January 31, 1969*

Black Beauty (from Mystery Disc) – Frank Zappa

Absolutely Free (from We’re Only In It For The Money) – The Mothers of Invention

You Didn’t Try To Call Me (Basic Tracks) (from The MOFO Project/Object) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

Agency Man (from Mystery Disc) – Frank Zappa

Oh No (from Weasels Ripped My Flesh) – The Mothers of Invention

Mother People (from We’re Only In It For The Money) – The Mothers of Invention

Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite: Finale – Orchestre de l’Opéra Bastille & Myung Whun Chung

“FZ on Varèse” – Frank Zappa interview with Craig Eldon Pinkus, Indiana University Radio-TV Center – April 25, 1974*

Varèse: Ionisation – Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Pierre Boulez

The Captain’s Fat Theresa Shoes – GTO’s^

No Longer Umpire – Alice Cooper

Road Ladies (from Chunga’s Revenge) – Frank Zappa

CD2:

Call Any Vegetable (Excerpts) (Live at Fillmore West – November 6, 1970) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention*

Happy Together (Live at Fillmore West – November 6, 1970) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention*

Scumbag (Live at Fillmore East, NYC, 1971) (from Playground Psychotics) – Frank Zappa, The Mothers of Invention, John Lennon, Yoko Ono

Your Mouth (from Waka/Jawaka) – Frank Zappa

Cheepnis (Live at the Roxy, 12/10/73, Show 1) (from The Roxy Performances) – Frank Zappa

Apostrophe’ (Live in Los Angeles, Rehearsal Hall – June 21, 1974) – Frank Zappa*

Muffin Man (Live at The Palladium, NYC, 1977) (from Baby Snakes – The Compleat Soundtrack) – Frank Zappa^

Dancin’ Fool (Live on “Saturday Night Live” – October 21, 1978) – Frank Zappa*

Mo’s Vacation (Live in Munich 1978) – Frank Zappa*

The Black Page #1 (Piano Version) (from Zappa In New York 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Frank Zappa

Sofa (1977 Mix, Live) (from Zappa In New York 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Frank Zappa

Fembot In A Wet T-shirt (from Joe’s Garage – Act I) – Frank Zappa

Valley Girl (from Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch) – Frank Zappa & Moon Zappa

The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing (Live at The Pier, NYC – 1984) – Frank Zappa*

H.R. 2911 (from Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention) – Frank Zappa

G-Spot Tornado (from The Yellow Shark) – Frank Zappa

CD3:

Frank’s Library – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Edgewood Arsenal – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank’s Parents – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

The Blackouts – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Greeting Cards – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Studio Z – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Goes To Jail – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Musically Difficult – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

The Parts Are Complicated – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Murray Roman’s TV Show – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Put His Foot Down – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Laurel Canyon – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

The Manson Family – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Are We Going To Get Paid – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Steve Vai’s Perspective – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Could Be Hardcore – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Bruce Bickford’s Zappa Head – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

If I’m Alive – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Keep This Guy Under Check – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank’s Business Perspective – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Fake It – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Don’t Have Any Friends – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Hi, I’m Moon – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Addresses Congress – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Turn Off That Zappa Music – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Getting Sick – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Envelopes (1983 Original Vinyl Mix) – Frank Zappa, London Symphony Orchestra^

Overture (Live in Frankfurt, Germany – September 19, 1992) – Ensemble Modern, Conducted by Frank Zappa*

Get Whitey (from The Yellow Shark) – Frank Zappa

Nap Time (from Everything Is Healing Nicely) – Frank Zappa

Watermelon In Easter Hay (Live, 1978) (from Frank Zappa Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa – A Memorial Tribute) – Frank Zappa

5LP DELUXE EDITION:

LP1 – SIDE A:

Anyway The Wind Blows (from Freak Out!) – The Mothers of Invention

You’re Probably Wondering Why I’m Here (from Freak Out!) – The Mothers of Invention

Everytime I See You – The Heartbreakers^

Motherly Love (from Freak Out!) – The Mothers of Invention

You Didn’t Try To Call Me (Basic Tracks) (from The Mofo Project/Object) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

How Could I Be Such A Fool? (from Mystery Disc) – Frank Zappa

“The Reason We Have Stayed Together…” – Frank Zappa interview with Warren Duffy / WMEX Boston, MA – January 31, 1969*

LP1 – SIDE B:

Memories Of El Monte (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

Oh! In The Sky (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

The Duke (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

Absolutely Free (from We’re Only In It For The Money) – The Mothers of Invention

Agency Man (from Mystery Disc) – Frank Zappa

LP 2 – SIDE C:

Black Beauty (from Mystery Disc) – Frank Zappa

Oh No (from Weasels Ripped My Flesh) – The Mothers of Invention

Mother People (from We’re Only In It For The Money) – The Mothers of Invention

Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite: Finale – Orchestre de l’Opéra Bastille & Myung Whun Chung

“FZ on Varèse” – Frank Zappa interview with Craig Eldon Pinkus – Indiana University Radio-TV Center – April 25, 1974*

Varèse: Ionisation – Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Pierre Boulez

LP 2 – SIDE D:

The Captain’s Fat Theresa Shoes –GTO’s^

No Longer Umpire – Alice Cooper

Road Ladies (from Chunga’s Revenge) – Frank Zappa

Call Any Vegetable (Excerpts) (Live at Fillmore West – November 6, 1970) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention*

Happy Together (Live at Fillmore West – November 6, 1970) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention*

Scumbag (Live at Fillmore East, NYC, 1971) (from Playground Psychotics) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Inventio

LP 3 – SIDE E:

Your Mouth (from Waka/Jawaka) – Frank Zappa

Cheepnis (Live at the Roxy, 12/10/73, Show 1) (from The Roxy Performances) – Frank Zappa

Apostrophe’ (Live in Los Angeles, Rehearsal Hall – June 21, 1974) – Frank Zappa*

Muffin Man (Live at The Palladium, NYC, 1977) (from Baby Snakes – The Compleat Soundtrack) – Frank Zappa

Dancin’ Fool (Live on “Saturday Night Live” – October 21, 1978) – Frank Zappa*

LP 3 – SIDE F:

Mo’s Vacation (Live in Munich 1978) – Frank Zappa*

The Black Page #1 (Piano Version) (from Zappa In New York 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Frank Zappa

Sofa (1977 Mix, Live) (from Zappa In New York 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Frank Zappa

Fembot In A Wet T-shirt (from Joe’s Garage – Act I) – Frank Zappa

Valley Girl (from Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch) – Frank Zappa & Moon Zappa

LP 4 – SIDE G:

The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing (Live at The Pier, NYC – 1984) – Frank Zappa*

H.R. 2911 (from Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention) – Frank Zappa

Overture (Live in Frankfurt, Germany – September 19, 1992) – Ensemble Modern, Conducted by Frank Zappa

G-Spot Tornado (from The Yellow Shark) – Frank Zappa

LP 4 – SIDE H:

Envelopes (1983 Original Vinyl Mix) – Frank Zappa, London Symphony Orchestra^

Get Whitey (from The Yellow Shark) – Frank Zappa

Nap Time (from Everything Is Healing Nicely) – Frank Zappa

LP 5 – SIDE I:

Frank’s Library – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Edgewood Arsenal – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank’s Parents – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

The Blackouts – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Greeting Cards – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Studio Z – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Goes To Jail – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Musically Difficult – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

The Parts Are Complicated – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Murray Roman’s TV Show – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Put His Foot Down – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Laurel Canyon – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

The Manson Family – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Are We Going To Get Paid – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Steve Vai’s Perspective – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Could Be Hardcore – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

LP 5 – SIDE J:

Bruce Bickford’s Zappa Head – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

If I’m Alive – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Keep This Guy Under Check – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank’s Business Perspective – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Fake It – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Don’t Have Any Friends – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Hi, I’m Moon – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Addresses Congress – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Turn Off That Zappa Music – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Frank Getting Sick – Original Documentary Score by John Frizzell

Watermelon In Easter Hay (Live, 1978) (from Frank Zappa Plays The Music of Frank Zappa – A Memorial Tribute) – Frank Zappa

2LP EDITION:

LP 1 – SIDE A:

Motherly Love (from Freak Out!) – The Mothers of Invention

Memories Of El Monte (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

Oh! In The Sky (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

The Duke (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

How Could I Be Such A Fool? (from Mystery Disc) – Frank Zappa

Absolutely Free (from We’re Only In It For The Money) – The Mothers of Invention

LP 1 – SIDE B:

Call Any Vegetable (Excerpts) (Live at Fillmore West – November 6, 1970) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention*

Road Ladies (from Chunga’s Revenge) – Frank Zappa

Cheepnis (Live at the Roxy, 12/10/73, Show 1) (from The Roxy Performances) – Frank Zappa

Apostrophe’ (Live in Los Angeles, Rehearsal Hall – June 21, 1974) – Frank Zappa*

Sofa (1977 Mix, Live) (from Zappa In New York 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Frank Zappa

LP 2 – SIDE C:

The Black Page #1 (Piano Version) (from Zappa In New York 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Frank Zappa

Mo’s Vacation (Live in Munich 1978) – Frank Zappa*

Dancin’ Fool (Live on “Saturday Night Live” – October 21, 1978) – Frank Zappa*

Valley Girl (from Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch) – Frank Zappa & Moon Zappa

The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing (Live at The Pier, NYC – 1984) – Frank Zappa*

H.R. 2911 (from Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention) – Frank Zappa

LP 2 – SIDE D:

Envelopes (1983 Original Vinyl Mix) – Frank Zappa, London Symphony Orchestra^

Get Whitey (from The Yellow Shark) – Frank Zappa

G-Spot Tornado (from The Yellow Shark) – Frank Zappa

Watermelon In Easter Hay (Live, 1978) (from Frank Zappa Plays The Music of Frank Zappa – A Memorial Tribute) – Frank Zappa

21-TRACK DIGITAL EDITION:

Motherly Love (from Freak Out!) – The Mothers of Invention

Memories Of El Monte (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

Oh! In The Sky (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

The Duke (Live from the Whisky 1968) – The Mothers of Invention*

How Could I Be Such A Fool? (from Mystery Disc) – Frank Zappa

Absolutely Free (from We’re Only In It For The Money) – The Mothers of Invention

Call Any Vegetable (Excerpts) (Live at Fillmore West – November 6, 1970) – Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention*

Road Ladies (from Chunga’s Revenge) – Frank Zappa

Cheepnis (Live at the Roxy, 12/10/73, Show 1) (from The Roxy Performances) – Frank Zappa

Apostrophe’ (Live in Los Angeles, Rehearsal Hall – June 21, 1974) – Frank Zappa*

Sofa (1977 Mix, Live) (from Zappa In New York 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Frank Zappa

The Black Page #1 (Piano Version) (from Zappa In New York 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Frank Zappa

Mo’s Vacation (Live in Munich 1978) – Frank Zappa*

Dancin’ Fool (Live on “Saturday Night Live” – October 21, 1978) – Frank Zappa*

Valley Girl (from Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch) – Frank Zappa & Moon Zappa

The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing (Live at The Pier, NYC – 1984) – Frank Zappa*

H.R. 2911 (from Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention) – Frank Zappa

Envelopes (1983 Original Vinyl Mix) – Frank Zappa, London Symphony Orchestra^

Get Whitey (from The Yellow Shark) – Frank Zappa

G-Spot Tornado (from The Yellow Shark) – Frank Zappa

Watermelon In Easter Hay (Live, 1978) (from Frank Zappa Plays The Music of Frank Zappa – A Memorial Tribute) – Frank Zappa

* Previously unreleased

^ Currently not available

The Peter Frampton Band's take on Roxy Music's “Avalon” is the latest track to be revealed off their forthcoming album Frampton Forgets the Words. Of the song, Frampton explains, “The original is such a perfect piece of music. I really wanted to get as close to the vocal inflection as I could, and I think I almost did it! It’s a sexy kind of guitar sound, like Bryan Ferry’s vocal, and I’m very proud of it.”

“Avalon” is premiering alongside a performance video and available now with digital album pre-order. Watch/share HERE.

Frampton Forgets The Words, out April 23 on UMe, features instrumental tributes to some of Frampton’s favorite songs and is the follow up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, Fingerprints. “Avalon” follows the release of the band’s take on Radiohead’s “Reckoner” which received praise from the likes of SPIN, Stereogum, Guitar World and more—watch the video HERE.

Frampton Forgets the Words was co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay and was recorded/mixed at Frampton’s own Studio Phenix in Nashville. With his infamous 1954 Les Paul Phenix—which was lost in a plane crash in 1980 and recovered more than 30 years later—  Frampton brings virtuosic guitar playing to songs by David Bowie, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz and more. See track listing below.

Frampton notes, “This album is a collection of ten of my favorite pieces of music. My guitar is also a voice and I have always enjoyed playing my favorite vocal lines that we all know and love. These tracks are my great band and me paying tribute to the original creators of this wonderful music. So much fun to do and I really hope you enjoy it too.”

Peter Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. At 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups, Humble Pie. By 22, he was touring incessantly and making use of the talk box which would become his signature guitar effect. He’s collaborated with such legendary artists as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ringo Starr, among many others, and has toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, and the Steve Miller Band. In 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

His 2019 album All Blues (UMe), was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart, and his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, released last October via Hachette Books, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list. His 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS TRACK LIST

1. If You Want Me To Stay

2. Reckoner

3. Dreamland

4. One More Heartache

5. Avalon

6. Isn’t It A Pity

7. I Don't Know Why

8. Are You Gonna Go My Way

9. Loving The Alien

10. Maybe

From the haunting, funereal bells and emotional wails of opening track “Mother,” it was immediate – John Lennon’s first solo studio album was unlike anything he had made before. Recorded in 1970, shortly after the demise of The Beatles, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band saw John stripping away the artifice and ornamentation for a visceral artistic exorcism that was confessional, raw, painfully honest, and revelatory. Inspired by the primal scream psychotherapy he and wife Yoko Ono had been practicing with Dr. Arthur Janov, John, joined by the minimalist Plastic Ono Band - Ringo Starr on drums and Klaus Voorman on bass, and producer Phil Spector – confronted his demons, professed his love for his wife, railed against false idols and declared the dream was over on his most personal album. Today it stands as the towering achievement of his solo career – the moment the biggest rock star in the world bared his soul for all to hear – as real as it was revolutionary.

On April 16, Yoko Ono Lennon and Capitol/UMe will celebrate 50 years of John’s transformational and influential masterpiece, with the eight-disc super deluxe box set, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection, an immersive, deep listening experience and in-depth exploration of what John described as “the best thing I’ve ever done.” Fully authorized by Yoko Ono Lennon, who oversaw the production and creative direction, and from the same audio team that worked on 2018’s critically acclaimed Imagine – The Ultimate Collection, including triple GRAMMY®-Award winning engineer Paul Hicks and mixers/engineers Rob Stevens and Sam Gannon, the Ultimate Collection puts listeners in the center of the studio and explores the album’s 1970 recording sessions at EMI Studios 2 & 3, Abbey Road along with John’s post-Beatles singles, “Give Peace A Chance,” “Cold Turkey” and “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” from inception to the final master through scores of unreleased and rare demos, rehearsals, outtakes, jams and studio conversations, revealing how these beloved songs came to be. Everything in this expansive box set has been newly mixed from scratch from brand new 192kHz/24bit hi-res transfers. In addition to the various new mixes, the set boasts 87 never-before-heard recordings.

The new Ultimate Mix of “Mother” globally launches the album and pre-order today.

This historical, remixed and remastered collection features 159 tracks across six CDs and two Blu-ray audio discs for more than 11 engrossing hours of music and includes two postcards (“Who Are The Plastic Ono Band?” and “You Are The Plastic Ono Band”) a “War Is Over!” poster and a comprehensive 132-page hardback book with lyrics, rare photos, tape box images, memorabilia and extensive notes. Designed and edited by Simon Hilton, the Compilation Producer and Production Manager of the Ultimate Collection series, the book tells the story behind each of the songs and the making of the album in John & Yoko’s words and the words of those who worked alongside them, through archival and brand new interviews.

Yoko writes in the preface of the book: “With the Plastic Ono Band albums, John and I liked the idea of this really raw, basic, truthful reality that we were going to be giving to the world. We were influencing other artists, giving them courage, giving dignity to a certain style of vulnerability and strength that was not accepted in society at the time. It was a revolution for a Beatle to say, ‘Listen: I’m human, I’m real.’ It took a lot of courage for him to do it.”

This truly unique expanded edition includes the lively improvised jams John and the band would play between takes, belying the intense subject matter of the album, and the full live recording session of Yoko’s companion LP, Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band, which for the first time presents the songs in their full, unedited lengths and speed, and includes three unreleased improvisations.

Similar to the previous Ultimate Collection, the set offers a variety of new listening experiences that are at once immersive and intimate, ranging from the brand new Ultimate Mixes of the timeless album, which put John’s vocals front and center and sonically upgrade the sound, to the Elements Mixes, which isolate and bring forth certain elements from the multitrack recordings to reveal even deeper levels of detail and clarity, and the Raw Studio Mixes, which allows listeners to experience the moment John and the Plastic Ono Band recorded each song, mixed raw and live without effects, tape delays or reverbs. The Evolutionary Documentary is a unique track-by-track audio montage that details the evolution of each song from demo to master recording via instructions, rehearsals, recordings, multitrack exploration and studio chatter. The Blu-rays present an array of listening options including high-definition, studio quality 192kHz/24bit audio in stereo and enveloping 5.1 Surround and Dolby Atmos mixes.

Plastic Ono Band will also be released in concurrent multiple physical and digital configurations, including as a 1CD that includes the Ultimate Mixes of the original album and the three non-album singles and as an expanded 2CD or 2LP version that adds a disc of outtakes of each song.

THE ULTIMATE MIXES
The original John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album has been faithfully remixed from the ground up by the aforementioned Paul Hicks at Abbey Road Studios under the supervision of Yoko Ono Lennon. Hicks utilized high-definition 192kHz/24bit audio transfers of the original first-generation multitrack recordings to create the best possible recreations of the originals. The result is these new Ultimate Mixes now reveal whole new levels of sonic depth, definition and clarity, especially in 5.1 Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos. “Yoko is very keen that in making The Ultimate Mixes Series, we achieve three things: remain faithful and respectful to the originals, ensure that the sound is generally sonically clearer overall, and increase the clarity of John’s vocals. ‘It’s about John’ she says. And she is right. His voice brings the biggest emotional impact to the album.”

THE OUTTAKES
The collection includes unreleased stereo outtakes of each song which have been mixed with a balance and EQ more akin to the original album mixes, with a little bit of additional effects – in the style of a “rough listening mix” that John & Yoko and Phil Spector would have used to play them back at Abbey Road. Highlights include “Mother” (Take 61) which removes the opening bell and has the drums mixed in mono, “Love” (Take 6) with John performing the song on acoustic guitar without the aid of Spector on piano and the first rehearsal of “Remember” (Rehearsal 1), which started off as a slower, more subdued, song than the rollicking one it evolved into, “Well Well Well” (Take 2) which ends with an instrumental jam, the alternate clawhammer strumming on “Look At Me” (Take 2) and “Cold Turkey” (Take 1) with some seriously funky guitar playing by John and Eric Clapton.

DEMOS
In addition to the outtakes, the original recordings of each song, either from a home cassette, home tape, or the very first rehearsal or run-through in the studio are included. It’s remarkable to hear how fully formed many of the songs were before they were brought to the studio and what they transformed into. Most of these recordings have never been released until now.

THE ELEMENTS MIXES
The Elements Mixes mixed by Hicks bring some of the buried elements not otherwise heard, or in some cases used, up to the surface and presents them on a wider and brighter sound stage to reveal deeper levels of detail and clarity. The idea behind these is that once these elements have been heard listeners will hear details previously hidden in the album mixes in a completely way. These range from John’s isolated vocal track for “Mother,” the conga on “I Found Out,” the extra vocals on “Hold On,” the alternative organ take on “Isolation,” unused maracas on “Well Well Well” and the original guide vocal for “God.”

THE RAW STUDIO MIXES + OUTTAKES
Mixed by Rob Stevens, the Raw Studio Mixes transport listeners to the center of the studio at Abbey Road to experience what it was like to bear witness to the recording sessions. The songs have been mixed without effects, tape delays or reverbs, recreating as close to possible what these performances sounded like raw and live. The Raw Studio Mixes stand on their own to provide a markedly different set of listening experiences, stripping away the sound-shaping techniques that were used in the production of the original 1970 album to reveal further nuance and depths in these unadorned studio performances.

THE EVOLUTION DOCUMENTARY
The Evolution Mixes are mini-documentaries that explore the development of each song through their elements, arrangements and the musicians that play on them. Edited down from all the original 8-track multitracks, quarter-inch live recordings and mixes and a few demo cassettes by Sam Gannon, generally each Evolution Mix runs through each song’s sessions chronologically, starting with the demos and/or early takes and ending with the final mixes; documenting their creative journey from inspiration to finished work, exploring different, sometimes hidden parts of the multitracks and including all the best method, magic, craftsmanship and conversation during the development of the songs. Throughout the sessions, there is a sense of lightness and joviality that contrasts the heavy and, at times, very intense themes which run through much of the album. These mixes provide a window into that world, putting the listener in the center of the studio with John, Yoko, Phil and the Plastic Ono Band.

THE JAMS
Despite the serious nature of the album, John and the Plastic Ono Band, which sometimes included Yoko, Billy Preston and Phil Spector, had fun in between takes by spontaneously jamming classic rock ‘n’ roll songs, improvisations and even early versions of some of John’s other songs. For the first time, these 22 jams are being made available and are presented in the order they were recorded. Some of the many gems include impromptu performances of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That A Shame” Little Richard’s “Send Me Some Lovin’” and a hilarious sendup of Elvis Presley, illustrating John’s love for early rock ‘n’ roll. Other highlights include loose run throughs of “Hold On” and a couple early attempts of “I Don’t Want To Be A Soldier Mama, I Don’t Want To Die,” which would end up on his next album, Imagine.

YOKO ONO/PLASTIC ONO BAND – THE LIVE SESSIONS
On October 10th, the day after John’s 30th birthday, Yoko, John, Klaus and Ringo recorded a freeform experimental jam session that would be edited into Yoko’s concurrent album, Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band. For the first time ever, the full session, more than three times the length of the original album, can be heard as part of the Blu-ray in its entirety. Newly mixed by Sam Gannon, it is being presented in high-res audio and in its originally performed speed with no edits, with tracks like “Why” clocking in at 18 mins and “Why Not” exceeding 21 minutes. The live session is bolstered by three improvisations that have never been released before: “Life,” “Omae No Okaa Wa” and “I Lost Myself Somewhere In The Sky.”

Released on December 11, 1970, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band followed three hit singles John released in 1969 after the breakup of The Beatles - “Give Peace A Chance,” “Cold Turkey,” and “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On),” three avant-garde recordings released with Yoko (Two Virgins, Life With The Lions, and Wedding Album) and the live concert album, Live Peace In Toronto 1969, recorded with the ever-evolving Plastic Ono Band, which for this legendary performance featured Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann and Alan White.

John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band was John’s first post-Beatles solo album so interest was high to see what he would do with his newfound creative freedom. The answer shocked the world. Gone was any florid instrumentation or psychedelia as on Sgt. Pepper’s or the kind of jaunty rock and abstract poetry of the band’s final album, Let It Be, and in its place were deeply emotional, profound, autobiographical songs about being abandoned by his mother and father, the loneliness of stardom, his dear Yoko and the end of the cultural revolution. Soundtracked by simple and sparse instrumentation and minimal yet majestic production, John’s voice pierced listener’s hearts like never before as he revealed his true self. It marked his true birth as a solo artist. The album reached the top 10 in both the US and UK, despite the absence of a major hit single.

50 years on, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band is widely considered one of the best albums ever made. Most recently Rolling Stone, who also dubbed it #4 on their list of Best Albums of 1967-87, ranked the album #85 in their 2020 reassessment of The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time, hailing it ahead of its time: “a pure, raw core of confession that, in its echo-drenched, garage-rock crudity, is years ahead of punk.” Pitchfork awarded it #60 in their Top 100 Albums of the 1970s list and it was selected by Time as one of the 100 Best Albums of All Time, declaring: “Lennon’s writing was never sharper, and his still-underrated singing stands with rock’s finest.” As Rolling Stone’s retrospective review remarked, “left out in the open, without protective harmonies or racket, Lennon's singing takes on an expressive specificity that anyone in search of the century's great vocal performances would be foolish to overlook.” A 2010 review from the BBC perhaps summed it up best: “The reality of Plastic Ono Band is that it contains eleven of Lennon’s most accessible and gorgeous melodies and riffs; it’s pure Beatles, but with the layers of studio sophistry stripped away to reveal the nub of the confessional crux. The heartbreaking scream of loss that is ‘Mother.’ The mirror image of ‘My Mummy’s Dead’ and its invention of all things lo-fi. And, in-between, the savaging of aspiration in ‘Working Class Hero,’ the pinched proto-punk fury of ‘I Found Out’ and ‘Well Well Well,’ the fear and self-loathing of ‘Remember’ and ‘Isolation,’ the poignant grasps for comfort within ‘Love’ and ‘Hold On,’ and the slaughter of gods, monsters, The Beatles and the false idols of the 1960s in the peerless ‘God,’ which is still, very possibly, the most thematically ambitious and courageous rock song ever recorded.”

John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection continues the 50th anniversary celebration of this iconic album, which began in October 2020 with the release of the book, John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band for what would have been John’s 80th birthday. With first-hand commentary by John & Yoko, members of the Plastic Ono Band and other key figures in their lives – including Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Klaus Voormann, Rolling Stone founder and editor Jann S. Wenner and therapist Arthur Janov –  and packed with evocative and revealing letters, artworks and photographs – many unseen – by Annie Leibovitz, Richard DiLello, Ethan Russell, Iain Macmillan, John Reader and David Nutter, this incisive volume offers new insights into the raw emotions and open mindset of John after marriage to Yoko and the breakup of the Beatles. Beautifully packaged, this landmark publication is hardbound with black-sprayed edges and stenciled with “Who are the Plastic Ono Band?” – riffing on an early teaser campaign for the album from 1970. 

When released in 1970, “Mother,” the stark and startling album opener of John Lennon’s first post-Beatles solo album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, signaled a change in John’s songwriting, away from third person narratives and towards a more autobiographical, confessional style. Inspired by the primal scream psychotherapy he and wife Yoko Ono had been practicing with Dr. Arthur Janov, John, joined by the minimalist Plastic Ono Band - Ringo Starr on drums and Klaus Voormann on bass, and producer Phil Spector – addressed his parents abandoning him in his most honest and personal song to date. The legendary songwriter’s anguish was on full display for the first time.

On what would have been John’s mother Julia’s 107th birthday today, and ahead of Mothering Sunday in the UK, the John Lennon Estate has released a newly updated video for “Mother” which has been completely reconstructed from the original photographs, beautifully remastered in 4K and upgraded with the stunning new “Ultimate Mix.” Through the use of John’s personal photos, the video explores layers in the meaning of the lyrics and performance of the song – telling the story of John’s relationships with his mother and father figures, including fractured memories from his childhood and important moments in his life. We see parental figures gone too soon and desperately missed: his mother Julia, father Alfred, his Aunt Mimi and Uncle George Smith who raised and housed him for most of his childhood and teens, and manager Brian Epstein. We see John with his wife Yoko Ono Lennon (who he nicknamed “Mother” in 1980, five years after they had become parents with Sean), we consider John as a father, with sons Julian Lennon and Sean Ono Lennon, and then explore themes of John himself as absent and gone too soon, missed sorely by his wife, sons, extended family and the world. Produced by Yoko Ono Lennon, directed and edited by Simon Hilton with 3D compositing by David Frearson, the video was first created in 2003 for the DVD release, “Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon,” and includes photographs by Bob Gruen, Stanley Parkes, Geoff Rhind, Robert Freeman, Jack Mitchell, Iain Macmillan, Paul Goresh, Joyce Ravid and many others.

“Mother” is the first track to be released from the forthcoming John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band-The Ultimate Collection, due April 16 via Capitol/UMe, to celebrate 50 years of John’s transformational and influential masterpiece. The eight-disc super deluxe box set is an immersive, deep listening experience and in-depth exploration of what John described as “the best thing I’ve ever done.” Fully authorized by Yoko Ono Lennon, who oversaw the production and creative direction, and from the same audio team that worked on 2018’s critically acclaimed Imagine – The Ultimate Collection, including triple GRAMMY®-Award winning engineer Paul Hicks and mixers/engineers Rob Stevens and Sam Gannon, the Ultimate Collection puts listeners in the center of the studio and explores the album’s 1970 recording sessions at EMI Studios 2 & 3, Abbey Road along with John’s post-Beatles singles, “Give Peace A Chance,” “Cold Turkey” and “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” from inception to the final master through scores of unreleased and rare demos, rehearsals, outtakes, jams and studio conversations, revealing how these beloved songs came to be. Everything in this expansive box set has been newly mixed from scratch from brand new 192kHz/24bit hi-res transfers. In addition to the various new mixes, the set boasts 87 never-before-heard recordings.

Watch “Mother” video: https://youtu.be/sPYsMM1FvXs
Pre-order: http://johnlennon.lnk.to/PlasticOnoBand2021

This historical, remixed and remastered collection features 159 tracks across six CDs and two Blu-ray audio discs for more than 11 engrossing hours of music and includes two postcards (“Who Are The Plastic Ono Band?” and “You Are The Plastic Ono Band”) a “War Is Over!” poster and a comprehensive 132-page hardback book with lyrics, rare photos, tape box images, memorabilia and extensive notes. Designed and edited by Simon Hilton, the Compilation Producer and Production Manager of the Ultimate Collection series, the book tells the story behind each of the songs and the making of the album in John & Yoko’s words and the words of those who worked alongside them, through archival and brand new interviews. 

Yoko writes in the preface of the book: “With the Plastic Ono Band albums, John and I liked the idea of this really raw, basic, truthful reality that we were going to be giving to the world. We were influencing other artists, giving them courage, giving dignity to a certain style of vulnerability and strength that was not accepted in society at the time. It was a revolution for a Beatle to say, ‘Listen: I’m human, I’m real.’ It took a lot of courage for him to do it.”

This truly unique expanded edition includes the lively improvised jams John and the band would play between takes, belying the intense subject matter of the album, and the full live recording session of Yoko’s companion LP, Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band, which for the first time presents the songs in their full, unedited lengths and speed, and includes three unreleased improvisations.

Similar to the previous Ultimate Collection, the set offers a variety of new listening experiences that are at once immersive and intimate, ranging from the brand new Ultimate Mixes of the timeless album, which put John’s vocals front and center and sonically upgrade the sound, to the Elements Mixes, which isolate and bring forth certain elements from the multitrack recordings to reveal even deeper levels of detail and clarity, and the Raw Studio Mixes, which allows listeners to experience the moment John and the Plastic Ono Band recorded each song, mixed raw and live without effects, tape delays or reverbs. The Evolutionary Documentary is a unique track-by-track audio montage that details the evolution of each song from demo to master recording via instructions, rehearsals, recordings, multitrack exploration and studio chatter. The Blu-rays present an array of listening options including high-definition, studio quality 192kHz/24bit audio in stereo and enveloping 5.1 Surround and Dolby Atmos mixes.

Plastic Ono Band will also be released in concurrent multiple physical and digital configurations, including as a 1CD that includes the Ultimate Mixes of the original album and the three non-album singles and as an expanded 2CD or 2LP version that adds a disc of outtakes of each song.

YouTube, Island Records, Interscope, UMe, and UMC today announce U2: The Virtual Road, a series of four concerts broadcast for the first time exclusively on the band's YouTube channel, for 48 hours only.

U2: The Virtual Road also marks the first time that three of these concerts – Slane, Red Rocks, and Mexico – have been made available digitally.

The first concert will broadcast on St. Patrick's Day, March 17,  2021. U2 Go Home: Live From Slane Castle celebrates the band's return to the legendary Irish concert site on September 1,  2001, for their first performance on the banks of the River Boyne in over twenty years. And in an exclusive YouTube performance, Dermot Kennedy will open the show with a solo performance recorded last week outside Los Angeles.

On March 25, fans can tune in to see U2: Live At Red Rocks recorded on June 5, 1983, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, the United States, on the band's War Tour. A career-defining show, the rain-soaked performance at the iconic venue helped establish U2's reputation as one of the greatest live acts in the world. And another Grammy-nominated Dublin band, Fontaines D.C., will open the show with a performance recorded in their hometown last year.

The PopMart Tour stormed into Mexico City in December 1997 for a memorable show at the Foro Sol Stadium and on April 1 will see Carla Morrison open for the band, only on YouTube, for a very special one-off performance ahead of Popmart: Live From Mexico City.

In December 2015, U2 returned to Paris less than a month after the November 13  terrorist attacks on the city for two rescheduled shows. iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE: Live in Paris marked the final performance on the tour, an unforgettable evening which included an emotional performance of Patti Smith's 'People Have The Power.' On April 10, YouTube will broadcast the show for the very first time, with the French band  Feu! Chatterton on support.

"Every show is memorable for us, but these four particularly so… It's exciting to be on the road again… Embracing all the wonder of the virtual road… And especially exciting to be joined by such a brilliant line-up of fellow travelers in Dermot Kennedy, Fontaines D.C., Carla Morrison, and Feu! Chatterton." – Bono, The Edge, Adam, and Larry

Dan Chalmers, Director of YouTube Music for EMEA, said - "It's fantastic that YouTube is partnering with U2 for this exclusive broadcast. The four concerts featured in The Virtual Road are the most memorable and iconic in the band's history and indeed rock history at large. As one of the world's best-selling music artists, U2 have been at the top of the global rock scene for the past four decades. When they perform, the world takes notice - their performances are always a landmark moment for music lovers around the world. We're proud to be providing the platform for an artist that has come to embody the definitive live music experience."

Sam Lunn, Head of Campaign Strategy, Island Records, said - "One of the reasons U2 remain one of the greatest and most interesting bands in music is their desire to always break new ground. No band has managed to combine emotion, ambition, innovation, and spectacle to produce such consistently brilliant live shows.  With the announcement of The Virtual Road and this hugely exciting partnership with YouTube, U2 are once again leading the way with this incredibly exciting virtual concert series."

In September last year, YouTube, Island Records, Interscope, UMe, and UMC announced the relaunch of U2's Official YouTube Channel with weekly releases of the band's most iconic music videos and never-before-seen content on YouTube, all remastered at the highest possible standard. The coming year will see the band's music video catalog remastered in H.D. and launched exclusively on YouTube.

Throughout their career, U2 has been known for their unparalleled creative vision and artistry when bringing their music to life on screen. As new and remastered content is added over the next year, their YouTube channel will evolve as a hub to celebrate the band's 40-year legacy and the evolution of their approach to video. Highlights will include previously unreleased live, behind the scenes, and remixed content, and some of their best-known music videos upgraded to H.D. for the first time ever, up to 4K quality whenever possible. The project will result in hundreds of new and upgraded videos being added to the channel and a curated experience for fans to be able to explore the depth of the catalog.

March 17  - St Patrick's Day
U2 Go Home: Live From Slane Castle - IRELAND 2001

March 25
U2: Live At Red Rocks, Denver, Colorado - USA 1983

April 1
Popmart: Live From Mexico City - MEXICO 1997

April 10
iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE: Live in Paris - FRANCE 2015

The Peter Frampton Band’s tribute to David Bowie’s “Loving The Alien” is the latest track to be revealed off their forthcoming album Frampton Forgets the Words. The performance video, which premiered yesterday on Grammy.com, features personal photos of Bowie and Frampton together as well as archival MTV footage. Watch/share the video HERE.

Frampton Forgets The Words, out April 23 on UMe, includes instrumental versions of some of Frampton’s favorite songs and is the follow up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, Fingerprints.

“Loving The Alien” follows the release of the band’s version of Roxy Music’s “Avalon,” of which Rolling Stone notes, “Frampton and his band’s version doesn’t stray too far from the 1982 original, with his guitar a stand-in for Bryan Ferry’s inimitable vocals,” and Radiohead’s “Reckoner,” which continues to receive critical acclaim from SPIN, Stereogum, Guitar World and more.

Frampton Forgets the Words is co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay and was  recorded/mixed at Frampton’s own Studio Phenix in Nashville. With his storied 1954 Les Paul Phenix—which was lost in a plane crash in 1980 and recovered more than 30 years later—  Frampton brings virtuosic guitar playing to songs by George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz and more. See track listing below.

Frampton notes, “This album is a collection of ten of my favorite pieces of music. My guitar is also a voice and I have always enjoyed playing my favorite vocal lines that we all know and love. These tracks are my great band and me paying tribute to the original creators of this wonderful music. So much fun to do and I really hope you enjoy it too.”

Peter Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. At 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups, Humble Pie. By 22, he was touring incessantly and making use of the talk box which would become his signature guitar effect. He’s collaborated with such legendary artists as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ringo Starr, among many others, and has toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, and the Steve Miller Band. In 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

His 2019 album All Blues (UMe), was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart, and his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, released last October via Hachette Books, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list. His 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS TRACK LIST

1. If You Want Me To Stay

2. Reckoner

3. Dreamland

4. One More Heartache

5. Avalon

6. Isn’t It A Pity

7. I Don't Know Why

8. Are You Gonna Go My Way

9. Loving The Alien

10. Maybe

Intimate, never-before-seen 8mm film footage of John Lennon and Yoko Ono Lennon captured at home in 1968 has been paired together with the brand-new Ultimate Mix of “Look At Me” for a thrilling new video. Filmed by camera operator William Wareing and his crew, the video features black and white and color footage on “home movie” Standard 8 film filmed between takes of John and Yoko’s films, “Film No. 5” (“Smile”) (conceived by Yoko) and “Two Virgins” (conceived by John and Yoko). The unearthed film reels from the Lennono archives are presented here for the first time, with the black and white and color footage side-by-side, accompanied by the stunning new mix of “Look At Me,” which is also available to stream.

In the video, released today in 4K via the John Lennon Estate, we get a glimpse into the life of John & Yoko and behind-the-scenes of their film making. We see John playing acoustic guitar in between takes, his drum skin from the Sgt. Pepper’s album cover (designed by Joe Ephgrave) and his psychedelic upright piano (painted by Marijke Koger and Simon Posthuma from Dutch design collective, The Fool), the film crew setting up shots, Yoko dancing around the swimming pool while John plays his steel string and a peek into their domestic life and the undeniable connection that bound them together.

Watch “Look At Me” video: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/Look-At-Me-Ultimate-MixPR/Youtube

“Look At Me” is the second track to be released from the forthcoming John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band-The Ultimate Collection, due April 23 via Capitol/UMe to celebrate 50 years of John’s transformational and influential masterpiece. The eight-disc super deluxe box set is an immersive, deep listening experience and in-depth exploration of what John described as “the best thing I’ve ever done.” Fully authorized by Yoko Ono Lennon, who oversaw the production and creative direction, and from the same audio team that worked on 2018’s critically acclaimed Imagine – The Ultimate Collection, including triple GRAMMY®-Award winning engineer Paul Hicks and mixers/engineers Rob Stevens and Sam Gannon, the Ultimate Collection puts listeners in the center of the studio and explores the album’s 1970 recording sessions at EMI Studios 2 & 3, Abbey Road along with John’s post-Beatles singles, “Give Peace A Chance,” “Cold Turkey” and “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On).” From inception to the final master, the sessions are explored through scores of unreleased and rare demos, rehearsals, outtakes, jams and studio conversations, revealing how these beloved songs came to be. Everything in this expansive box set has been newly mixed from scratch from brand new 192kHz/24bit hi-res transfers. In addition to the various new mixes, the set boasts 87 never-before-heard recordings.

Pre-order and stream “Look At Me”: http://johnlennon.lnk.to/PlasticOnoBand2021

This historical, remixed and remastered collection features 159 tracks across six CDs and two Blu-ray audio discs for more than 11 engrossing hours of music and includes two postcards (“Who Are The Plastic Ono Band?” and “You Are The Plastic Ono Band”) a “War Is Over!” poster and a comprehensive 132-page hardback book with lyrics, rare photos, tape box images, memorabilia and extensive notes. Designed and edited by Simon Hilton, the Compilation Producer and Production Manager of the Ultimate Collection series, the book tells the story behind each of the songs and the making of the album in John & Yoko’s words and the words of those who worked alongside them, through archival and brand-new interviews. 

Yoko writes in the preface of the book: “With the Plastic Ono Band albums, John and I liked the idea of this really raw, basic, truthful reality that we were going to be giving to the world. We were influencing other artists, giving them courage, giving dignity to a certain style of vulnerability and strength that was not accepted in society at the time. It was a revolution for a Beatle to say, ‘Listen: I’m human, I’m real.’ It took a lot of courage for him to do it.”

This truly unique expanded edition includes the lively improvised jams John and the band would play between takes, belying the intense subject matter of the album, and the full live recording session of Yoko’s companion LP, Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band, which for the first time presents the songs in their full, unedited lengths and speed, and includes three unreleased improvisations.

Similar to the previous Ultimate Collection, the set offers a variety of new listening experiences that are at once immersive and intimate, ranging from the brand new Ultimate Mixes of the timeless album, which put John’s vocals front and center and sonically upgrade the sound, to the Elements Mixes, which isolate and bring forth certain elements from the multitrack recordings to reveal even deeper levels of detail and clarity, and the Raw Studio Mixes, which allows listeners to experience the moment John and the Plastic Ono Band recorded each song, mixed raw and live without effects, tape delays or reverbs. The Evolutionary Documentary is a unique track-by-track audio montage that details the evolution of each song from demo to master recording via instructions, rehearsals, recordings, multitrack exploration and studio chatter. The Blu-rays present an array of listening options including high-definition, studio quality 192kHz/24bit audio in stereo and enveloping 5.1 Surround and Dolby Atmos mixes.

Plastic Ono Band will also be released in concurrent multiple physical and digital configurations, including as a 1CD that includes the Ultimate Mixes of the original album and the three non-album singles and as an expanded 2CD or 2LP version that adds a disc of outtakes of each song.

Before famously recording their legendary pacifist anthem “Give Peace A Chance” at their Bed-In for Peace at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal on May 31st, 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono rehearsed an early version of the song while at the Sheraton Oceanus Hotel in the Bahamas just days before, on May 25th. The performance, which was captured by the Lennon's film cameraman Nic Knowland and sound recordist Mike Lax, has never been released until now and is the earliest known recording of the song.

The film, meticulously restored and released today in incredible 5K by the John Lennon Estate, features John humorously ad-libbing lyrics for the verses before being joined by Yoko for the memorable chorus that became an anti-war anthem for a generation and which remains an enduring protest song more than 50 years later.  

Originally set for New York, the second Bed-In was relocated to the Bahamas after John and Yoko were denied entrance into the U.S. because of John's 1968 cannabis conviction. However, due to the layout of the hotel and the sweltering Bahamian heat, the couple flew to Toronto the following day and eventually settled in Montreal, chosen for its close proximity to New York and the American press, which they were hoping to use to get the attention of President Nixon.

The couple set themselves up in a hotel suite for a week, where they allowed unlimited access and gave endless interviews, in order that their extended honeymoon serve as a “commercial for peace.” The event culminated with the recording of John’s first solo single and the first to be credited to the Plastic Ono Band, “Give Peace A Chance.”

Surrounded by fans, Hare Krishnas and having spent the week with a host of notable friends and celebrities like LSD advocate Timothy Leary, singer Petula Clark, disc jockey Murray The K, comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory and comedian Tommy Smothers, who accompanied on acoustic guitar, John and Yoko performed the song in bed dressed in their pyjamas and helped provide the soundtrack to a revolution.

Released just a month later in July 1969, backed with Yoko’s “Remember Love,” recorded that same night after their guests had left, the single reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 14 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100, giving John his first hit outside of The Beatles. Although credited to Lennon-McCartney, John later revealed the song was written by him and Yoko and she should have received the co-writing credit.

John said one of his proudest moments was when Peter Seeger led a crowd of over half a million protesters in singing a ten-minute version of “Give Peace A Chance” at the Vietnam moratorium in Washington DC on November 15,1969.

Watch “Give Peace A Chance” (Demo) video:

This unearthed video comes in advance of the forthcoming box set, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection, due April 23 via Capitol/UMe, of which the track is included alongside demos for every song on the album as well as John’s non-album singles. The eight-disc super deluxe box set, celebrating 50 years of John’s transformational and influential masterpiece, is an immersive, deep listening experience and in-depth exploration of the record John described as “the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Fully authorized by Yoko Ono Lennon, who oversaw the production and creative direction, and from the same audio team that worked on 2018’s critically acclaimed Imagine – The Ultimate Collection, including triple GRAMMY®-Award winning engineer Paul Hicks and mixers/engineers Rob Stevens and Sam Gannon, the Ultimate Collection puts listeners in the center of the studio and explores the album’s 1970 recording sessions at EMI Studios 2 & 3, Abbey Road along with John’s post-Beatles singles, “Give Peace A Chance,” “Cold Turkey” and “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On).”

From inception to the final master, the sessions are explored through scores of unreleased and rare demos, rehearsals, outtakes, jams and studio conversations, revealing how these beloved songs came to be. Everything in this expansive box set has been newly mixed from scratch from brand new 192kHz/24bit hi-res transfers. In addition to the various new mixes, the set boasts 87 never-before-heard recordings.

Pre-order available now

The Ultimate Collection offers a variety of new listening experiences that are at once immersive and intimate, ranging from the brand new Ultimate Mixes of the timeless album, which put John’s vocals front and center and sonically upgrade the sound, to the Elements Mixes, which isolate and bring forth certain elements from the multitrack recordings to reveal even deeper levels of detail and clarity, and the Raw Studio Mixes, which allows listeners to experience the moment John and the Plastic Ono Band recorded each song, mixed raw and live without effects, tape delays or reverbs. The Evolutionary Documentary is a unique track-by-track audio montage that details the evolution of each song from demo to master recording via instructions, rehearsals, recordings, multitrack exploration and studio chatter. The Blu-rays present an array of listening options including high-definition, studio quality 192kHz/24bit audio in stereo and enveloping 5.1 Surround and Dolby Atmos mixes.

ALBUM LAUNCH AND TIM’S TWITTER LISTENING PARTY

Fans around the world are invited to listen to the new mixes of John’s landmark solo album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection, together on Saturday, April 24 at 10 am PDT/1 pm EDT/6 pm BST as part of Tim’s Twitter Listening Party, the acclaimed interactive listening experience created and hosted by Tim Burgess (The Charlatans UK).

The event will include participation from Yoko Ono Lennon, Sean Ono Lennon, original Plastic Ono Band bassist and artist Klaus Voormann, John and Yoko’s friend, personal assistant and album cover photographer, Dan Richter, mixer/engineer Paul Hicks and the entire audio team behind the new Ultimate Collection.

Immediately following the Listening Party, the newly launched Twitter Spaces will host an after-party featuring a discussion hosted by Chris Hawkins of BBC Radio 6 Music and featuring Sean Ono Lennon, Klaus Voormann, Dan Richter, Paul Hicks, Tim Burgess, Ultimate Collection Compilation Producer/Production Manager Simon Hilton and a variety of special guests to talk about the making of the album, its legacy and the exciting new collection.

Visit TimsTwitterListeningParty.com for details about how to join and stay tuned for more info that will be revealed closer to the date at johnlennon.com

The historical, remixed and remastered John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection features 159 tracks across six CDs and two Blu-ray audio discs for more than 11 engrossing hours of music and includes two postcards (“Who Are The Plastic Ono Band?” and “You Are The Plastic Ono Band”) a “War Is Over!” poster and a comprehensive 132-page hardback book with lyrics, rare photos, tape box images, memorabilia and extensive notes.

Designed and edited by Simon Hilton, the Compilation Producer and Production Manager of the Ultimate Collection series, the book tells the story behind each of the songs and the making of the album in John & Yoko’s words and the words of those who worked alongside them, through archival and brand new interviews. 

Yoko writes in the preface of the book: “With the Plastic Ono Band albums, John and I liked the idea of this really raw, basic, truthful reality that we were going to be giving to the world. We were influencing other artists, giving them courage, giving dignity to a certain style of vulnerability and strength that was not accepted in society at the time. It was a revolution for a Beatle to say, ‘Listen: I’m human, I’m real.’ It took a lot of courage for him to do it.”

This truly unique expanded edition includes the lively improvised jams John and the band would play between takes, belying the intense subject matter of the album, and the full live recording session of Yoko’s companion LP, Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band, which for the first time presents the songs in their full, unedited lengths and speed, and includes three unreleased improvisations.

Plastic Ono Band will also be released in concurrent multiple physical and digital configurations, including as a 1CD that includes the Ultimate Mixes of the original album and the three non-album singles and as an expanded 2CD or 2LP version that adds a disc of outtakes of each song.

The Peter Frampton Band’s tribute to George Harrison’s “Isn’t It A Pity” is the latest track to be revealed off their forthcoming album Frampton Forgets the Words. “‘Isn’t It A Pity’ from George’s album All Things Must Pass, was the track I could hear playing when I first arrived at Abbey Road to record,” Frampton explains.” Of the video, which begins with footage from Frampton’s Farewell Tour in 2019, he furthers, “We have all been in the same boat for over a year now. Our video lets you into my world of lockdown and possibly yours too. I think we can all relate.” Watch/share HERE.

Frampton Forgets The Words, out next Friday, April 23 on UMe, includes instrumental versions of some of Frampton’s favorite songs and is the follow up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, Fingerprints. The music is receiving early critical acclaim:

“Frampton Forgets the Words is a grab-bag of 10 covers of rock songs that just plain move Frampton, and he imbues every lick and line of tunes by Radiohead (‘Reckoner’), Roxy Music (‘Avalon’) Lenny Kravitz (‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’) and other legacy artists with deep feeling and panache.”—Grammy.com

“Peter Frampton is one of the greatest guitar players in the history of rock, so if anyone were to put out an album of instrumental tracks, why shouldn’t it be him?”—Nashville Lifestyles

“Frampton and his band’s version [of Roxy Music’s ‘Avalon’] doesn’t stray too far from the 1982 original, with his guitar a stand-in for Bryan Ferry’s inimitable vocals.”—Rolling Stone

“…a perfect example of how Frampton can employ his arranging acumen to power a great song even further.”—Something Else Reviews

Additionally, Frampton caught up with friend and acclaimed actor Alec Baldwin about the forthcoming album, and more. Watch the Instagram Live HERE.

Frampton Forgets the Words is co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay and was  recorded/mixed at Frampton’s own Studio Phenix in Nashville. With his storied 1954 Les Paul Phenix—which was lost in a plane crash in 1980 and recovered more than 30 years later—Frampton brings virtuosic guitar playing to songs including David Bowie’s “Loving The Alien,” Roxy Music’s “Avalon,” Radiohead’s “Reckoner,” and more.

Peter Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. At 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups, Humble Pie. By 22, he was touring incessantly and making use of the talk box which would become his signature guitar effect. He’s collaborated with such legendary artists as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ringo Starr, among many others, and has toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, and the Steve Miller Band. In 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

His 2019 album All Blues (UMe), was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart, and his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, released last October via Hachette Books, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list. His 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS TRACK LIST

1. If You Want Me To Stay

2. Reckoner

3. Dreamland

4. One More Heartache

5. Avalon

6. Isn’t It A Pity

7. I Don't Know Why

8. Are You Gonna Go My Way

9. Loving The Alien

10. Maybe

The John Lennon Estate has released a video for the new Raw Studio Mix of John's classic track "Isolation," which was filmed upstairs at John and Yoko’s home at Tittenhurst Park in Berkshire on July 16, 1971. The video is filled with timed Easter Eggs throughout that shows hidden elements and clues of the life John and Yoko shared, as well as important artifacts.

The video comes just days before the release of the forthcoming box set, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection, due April 23 via Capitol/UMe, of which the track is included alongside Raw Studio Mixes for every song on the album as well as John’s non-album singles. The eight-disc super deluxe box set, celebrating 50 years of John’s transformational and influential masterpiece, is an immersive, deep listening experience and in-depth exploration of the record John described as “the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Fully authorized by Yoko Ono Lennon, who oversaw the production and creative direction, and from the same audio team that worked on 2018’s critically acclaimed Imagine – The Ultimate Collection, including triple GRAMMY®-Award winning engineer Paul Hicks and mixers/engineers Rob Stevens and Sam Gannon, the Ultimate Collection puts listeners in the center of the studio and explores the album’s 1970 recording sessions at EMI Studios 2 & 3, Abbey Road along with John’s post-Beatles singles, “Give Peace A Chance,” “Cold Turkey” and “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On).”

From inception to the final master, the sessions are explored through scores of unreleased and rare demos, rehearsals, outtakes, jams and studio conversations, revealing how these beloved songs came to be. Everything in this expansive box set has been newly mixed from scratch from brand new 192kHz/24bit hi-res transfers. In addition to the various new mixes, the set boasts 87 never-before-heard recordings.

Pre-order available now:
 http://johnlennon.lnk.to/PlasticOnoBand2021

Nobody knew, not even Frank Zappa, as he led his 11-strong band through a celebratory version of “America The Beautiful” to close out his show at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on March 25, 1988, that it would be the last time he’d ever play in the United States. Days later, the '88 band would trek to Europe for a multi-country tour, only to implode on the road before they could make it back to the States for another round of scheduled shows. Despite the growing tensions in the band, the ensemble was considered one of the best Zappa ever put together, a skilled mix of extremely talented musicians made up of both longtime members that had played with The Maestro from the early days alongside exciting new additions, bolstered by his favorite new instrument, the Synclavier. A well-oiled machine armed with an extensive 100-song repertoire, the adroit band were equally as adept at playing Zappa’s complex and challenging, genre-defying songs as they were performing classical compositions by the likes of Bartók, Ravel and Stravinsky.

On June 18, Zappa’s historic, final American show will be released for the first time as the new live album, Zappa ’88: The Last U.S. Show via Zappa Records/UMe. The first posthumous archival release  from the ‘88 touring band, the album features 29 unreleased performances including two additional performances from the same tour: Zappa’s wild interpretations of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Whipping Post” from the March 16 show in Providence, R.I. and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” from the March 23 Towson, Md. show. The record is also notable for containing the first official release of the much talked about “The Beatles Medley.”

Zappa ’88: The Last U.S. Show will be released digitally, on 2 CD or as a 4LP 180-gram vinyl box which will be available on both black vinyl or as a limited edition 180-gram purple vinyl variant, exclusively via the official Frank Zappa online store or uDiscover. Fully authorized by the Zappa Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers, the recordings have been newly mixed by Craig Parker Adams in 2020 from the 48-track digital master tapes. The shows were recorded using two Sony 3324 DASH PCM 24 track tape recorders synced together using a Lynx Time Code Module, thus providing 48 track recording capabilities. The album is rounded out with detailed liner notes by Travers and Zappa ’88 drummer Chad Wackerman, who celebrated his 28th birthday on stage and is serenaded by Zappa and the crowd, as well as photos from the tour by Peder Andersson.

Pre-order for all configurations is available now and will come with a download of the first single, the previously unreleased performance of “I Ain’t Got No Heart,” available to stream now. First appearing in 1966 on Zappa’s Mothers of Invention debut album, Freak Out!, then later in 1981 with an updated faster arrangement on Tinsel Town Rebellion, the ‘88 version takes the song to another level with the addition of a 5-piece horn section.

Stream “I Ain’t Got No Heart”

Pre-order Zappa ’88: The Last US Show

As Travers writes in the liner notes, “Start with the fulcrum of the 1981-1984 touring bands (Robert, Scott & Chad), bring back Ike Willis, add the Synclavier digital workstation, a 5-piece horn section with multi-instrumentalist Mike Keneally and you have what FZ famously described as “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life.” While saying “never heard” might have been a bit of hyperbole, it wasn’t far off as the short-lived band (four months of rehearsal in 1987/1988, followed by a tour from February through June 1988) only played a few dozen shows on the East Coast and Europe before disbanding. Nonetheless, the shows they did play together were electrifying and a masterclass in musicianship.

With Zappa on lead guitar, vocals, and wielding his new obsession the Synclavier, he led the proceedings through a career-spanning set, backed by a stellar cast of veteran band members and newly added members: Mike Keneally (guitar, synth, vocals), Scott Thunes (electric bass, Minimoog), Ike Willis (rhythm guitar, synth, vocals), Chad Wackerman (drums, electronic percussion), Ed Mann (vibes, marimba, electronic percussion), Robert Martin (keyboards, vocals) and the cracking horn section of Walt Fowler (trumpet, flugel horn, synth), Bruce Fowler (trombone), Paul Carman (alto, soprano and baritone sax), Albert Wing (tenor sax) and Kurt McGettrick (baritone and bass sax, contrabass clarinet). The band prepped nearly 100 songs and the sets were wide ranging, spanning tunes from the first Mothers of Invention albums, but with characteristically updated and often times ever-evolving arrangements (“I Ain’t Got No Heart,” “Love Of My Life,” “Who Needs The Peace Corps?”), to new compositions created for the ‘88 tour (“Jesus Thinks You’re A Jerk” and “When The Lie’s So Big”) as well as classical compositions (Bartók, Ravel, Stravinsky) that Zappa liked to play to expose his audiences to music he appreciated. In addition to the inclusion of the 5-piece horn section and it being Keneally’s only tour, the concerts also included extensive use of sampling through the then current machine, the Synclavier, which Zappa took on the road for the first time, as well as percussionists Mann and Wackerman’s use of electronic sounds in their set ups.

Zappa ’88: The Last U.S. Show includes all of this and many more highlights such as fan favorites, “Peaches In Regalia,” “The Black Page” “Inca Roads,” “Sharleena” “Sofa #1” and “Pound For A Brown.” It also includes a horn-laden cover of The Beatles’ “I Am The Walrus,” and the first official release of the highly sought after “The Beatles Medley,” which features the band performing the music of The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” with the lyrics completely changed to reflect the then-recent sex scandal of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart. The bawdy lyrics poke fun at the hypocritical minister and was part of Zappa’s agenda to demystify televangelists.

Just how Zappa felt it was important to rail against toxically prude self-appointed culture protectors and whatever hypocrisy or hypocrite rankled him that day, he was also a motivator of positive action, passionate about causes, especially voting rights, making it his mission to get his audiences to register to vote. With a presidential election looming, Zappa offered voter registration on the tour, aided by The League of Women Voters. Fans were encouraged to vote before the show or during a special 20-minute intermission in the middle of the two-hour plus concert, which would start with Zappa triggering the Synclavier to play a piece of music. In Uniondale it was “One Man, One Vote.” Notably, the version here is a different mix than the studio version released on Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention. Zappa 88: The Last U.S. Show kicks off with Zappa extolling the importance of voting and encouraging the unregistered to sign up at the show by registering someone live on stage. It was followed by a representative from Governor Mario Cuomo’s office reading a message congratulating “Mr. Zappa for the important work you are doing encouraging your audiences and others to register and vote.”

“Sadly after the European run was over,” as Travers pens in the liners, “Frank Zappa chose to disband the group and cancel the rest of the tour, reportedly forfeiting $400,000.00 in revenue and depriving additional audiences the opportunity to witness how special this group really was. With all of the time and money spent to prepare and promote the tour, not to mention the potential within the talented band and crew, now in 2021, it’s an even more historic loss considering FZ was to never tour again.”

Fortunately, Zappa’s final U.S. show, like so many others of his, was documented and can now be experienced in its glory more than three decades later.

FRANK ZAPPA – ZAPPA ’88: THE LAST U.S. SHOW TRACKLISTING

2CD/DIGITAL

DISC 1

1. “We Are Doing Voter Registration Here”

2. The Black Page (New Age Version)

3. I Ain’t Got No Heart

4. Love Of My Life

5. Inca Roads

6. Sharleena

7. Who Needs The Peace Corps?

8. I Left My Heart In San Francisco

9. Dickie’s Such An Asshole

10. When The Lie’s So Big

11. Jesus Thinks You’re A Jerk

12. Sofa #1

13. One Man, One Vote

14. Happy Birthday, Chad!

15. Packard Goose Pt. 1

16. Royal March From “L’Histoire Du Soldat”

17. Theme From The Bartok Piano Concerto #3

18. Packard Goose Pt. II

19. The Torture Never Stops Pt. I

20. Theme From “Bonanza”

DISC 2
1. Lonesome Cowboy Burt

2. The Torture Never Stops Pt. II

3. City Of Tiny Lites

4. Pound For A Brown

5. The Beatles Medley

6. Peaches En Regalia

7. Stairway To Heaven

8. I Am The Walrus

9. Whipping Post

10. Bolero

11. America The Beautiful

4LP VINYL

LP1
SIDE 1

1. “We Are Doing Voter Registration Here”

2. The Black Page (New Age Version)

3. I Ain’t Got No Heart

4. Love Of My Life

SIDE 2

1. Inca Roads

2. Sharleena

3. Who Needs The Peace Corps?

4. I Left My Heart In San Francisco

LP2
SIDE 3

1. Dickie’s Such An Asshole

2. When The Lie’s So Big

3. Jesus Thinks You’re A Jerk

4. Sofa #1

5. One Man, One Vote

LP2
SIDE 4

1. Happy Birthday, Chad!

2. Packard Goose Pt. I

3. Royal March From “L’Histoire Du Soldat”

4. Theme From The Bartok Piano Concerto #3

5. Packard Goose Pt. II

6. The Torture Never Stops Pt. I

7. Theme From “Bonanza”

8. Lonesome Cowboy Burt

LP3
SIDE 5

1. The Torture Never Stops Pt. II

2. City Of Tiny Lites

3. Pound For A Brown PT. I

LP3
SIDE 6

1. Pound For A Brown PT. II

2. The Beatles Medley (Lennon/McCartney)

3. Peaches En Regalia

LP4
SIDE 7

1. Stairway To Heaven

2. I Am The Walrus

LP4
SIDE 8

1. Whipping Post

2. Bolero

3. America The Beautiful

In celebration of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald’s 104th birthday, one of her most enduring and beloved duets with Louis Armstrong, “Cheek To Cheek,” has received a whimsical new animated video. Directed by Brooklyn-based artist Wendy Cong Zhao, the video, inspired by vintage pencil-line drawings, portrays two lovers who meet, separate, and come together again through a series of imaginative, animated dance scenes. “I captured the dancers on video in a traditional studio shoot, then rotoscoped their movements frame by frame to create the animated line art,” said Cong Zhao of her process. “Many drawings were added in that process to complement and transform the dance moves, such as objects and figures freely transitioning and morphing to the flow of the music. The black and white lines, with a few pops of color, reflect a certain sophistication and passion. The music video is a celebration of the romance depicted in this iconic love song.”

Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, “Cheek To Cheek” was released in 1956 on Ella and Louis’ first album together, the aptly titled Ella and Louis on Verve Records. The jazz legends first recorded together in 1946 when Ella was a 29-year-old rising star of the contemporary jazz scene and Louis, at 45, was jazz’s elder statesman. While the two would meet up every few years to cut some tracks, it took a decade for them to do a full album together. A stroke of genius cooked up by Verve impresario Norman Granz, Ella and Louis were not an obvious pairing but somehow, Ella’s sweet, refined voice and Louis’ rough, gravelly growl, just worked so perfectly together. “The old adage that opposites attract couldn’t be more apt in the case of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, whose album collaborations for Verve Records, in the late ‘50s, resulted in some of jazz’s finest and most memorable duets,” said uDiscover, “adding, “the contrast in their vocal timbres resulted in a musical chemistry that made their recordings compelling and unforgettable.”

“Cheek To Cheek” and all of Ella and Louis’ classic duets are available on the 4CD/digital set, Cheek To Cheek: The Complete Duet Recordings, which includes remastered versions of Ella and Louis, Ella and Louis Again and Porgy and Bess – along with all of their Decca singles, live recordings from Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl, recorded as a warmup for Ella and Louis, plus several alternates and false starts from the Decca and Verve eras, illuminating their craft and good humor. Stream/purchase here: https://EllaFitzgerald.lnk.to/CheekToCheekPR

As the last year's celebrations commemorating the legendary Bob Marley's 75th birthday continue, The Marley Family and UMe present an all-star roster of talent for MARLEY SESSIONS.  Each week, artists such as Jacob Collier, Julian Marley, Mystic Marley, and Sheku Mason will feature their representation of tracks from Bob Marley's catalog. Skip Marley, the grandson of Bob Marley, will launch MARLEY SESSIONS on Bob Marley's official YouTube channel with a performance of "Three Little Birds" on Friday, April 30.

Last week on April 20, the 2021 Webby Award nominations recognizing the year's best websites, podcasts, apps, and other internet services were announced. Bob Marley: Legacy Series received a Webby Award nomination for video series and channels, music. Bob Marley: Legacy, a 12-part mini-documentary series, features a collection of intimate conversations and interviews with his family, friends, and fans, woven together with his original music, remixes, and covers. This unique YouTube series provides fans a refreshing and cinematic journey through the life, legacy, and relevance Bob Marley still holds in this present day. Currently, Episodes 1-7 are available on Bob Marley's official YouTube page. Watch Bob Marley: Legacy HERE Winners for The 25th Annual Webby Awards will be announced on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Fans can place their votes for the Webby Award for Bob Marley: Legacy HERE:

Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media in this digital era, and MARLEY75 serves to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year. Bob Marley's music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice, and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity, and care is taken to honor Bob's legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures.

Tune in and subscribe to the Official Bob Marley YouTube channel HERE for more upcoming content celebrating Bob's legacy and contribution to the world.

#BobMarley #Survival76

Sean Ono Lennon has created a series of captivating and innovative animations using the Spotify Canvas medium to visually accompany the eleven album tracks and three singles of the Enhanced Spotify release of John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Mixes. Written and directed by Ono Lennon, “I Am the Egbert” is a series of short looping scenes that tell the story of a character named Egbert, whose life experiences strangely mirror the sentiments in the sequence of songs on the album tracks and the encores, “Give Peace A Chance,” “Cold Turkey,” and “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On).” The Ultimate Mixes were recently released as part of a suite of releases to celebrate 50 years of John Lennon’s influential and transformational first post-Beatles solo album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band.

Working closely with the team behind the Emmy Award-winning, Oscar-nominated 2007 animated short, “I Met The Walrus,” about his father John Lennon, the Egbert films were written and directed by Ono Lennon, with producer Jerry Levitan, illustrator James Braithwaite and Director of Animation Josh Raskin. They were Executive Produced by Yoko Ono Lennon and produced by Simon Hilton on behalf of Lenono.

“I Am The Egbert” can be experienced on mobile here.

“When it comes to creating something new for someone like my dad, it’s challenging because so much of the footage and photos of him have been used so much over the years and they already evoke certain feelings and memories with people, and of course the music is so classic,” said Ono Lennon. “Animation is a great medium because it allows us to recontextualize the music in a new way for both new audiences and longtime fans. My dad loved cartoons and drawing so we wanted to honor him by taking a page from his illustrations and life story, and while it quotes from his aesthetic universe, it isn’t just a copy and paste. I feel like we’ve created something unique and beautifully done that is within the vocabulary of what you understand to be something that makes sense for my dad and that whole time period without being derivative.

Instead of just creating disparate digital wallpapers for each track, Ono Lennon felt that within the music and lyrics of the album lay an opportunity to tell a short yet meaningful biographical life story. To do so, he reached out to an animation team whose work he greatly admired. “I’ve always loved ‘I Met The Walrus” and for years have been interested in working with Jerry, James and Josh who made the short film. “There's something about what they created that stands out about everything I've ever seen about my dad; it nailed his relaxed vibe and the animation was aesthetically on point with the style he liked. It's as if they ate everything that my dad did and then digested it, it really absorbed the language of John Lennon.”

Jerry Levitan met John and Yoko at fourteen years old, when, armed with a reel-to-reel tape recorder and a Super 8 camera, he snuck into their room at the King Edward Sheraton Hotel in Toronto on May 26, 1969 and persuaded them to do an interview just before they left for their famous Bed-In For Peace in Montreal. In forty minutes, they ran the gamut and spoke candidly about war, politics, life and music.

Nearly forty years later in 2007, Levitan teamed up with illustrator James Braithwaite and director/writer Josh Raskin to create a short animated film using a segment of that interview that was so brimming with truth, ideas and originality that “I Met The Walrus” won (among many other awards) an Emmy, an AFI Best Animated Short and was nominated for an Academy Award.

While Ono Lennon was a longtime fan of the film, he had never met the makers until February 2021 where, like so many others in the pandemic world, they met virtually via Zoom. The combination of Ono Lennon, Levitan, Braithwaite and Raskin proved to be electric and after a series of enthusiastic and creative video calls and email exchanges, it wasn’t long before Egbert was hatched, and his narrative began to unfold.

“On May 26, 1969 I spent a most perfect day with John Lennon and Yoko Ono,” said Levitan. “Being 14 in 1969 in the days of the Beatles was magical. I met my hero, he treated me with kindness and generosity, and he exceeded my dreams of what he was like. That day changed my life forever. Amidst the political turmoil strangling the world and the hardship and worry of the pandemic, Sean Ono Lennon reached out to me and told me he loved my animated short film ‘I Met The Walrus’ and wanted to explore collaborating with him and assembling the same team to create animated visuals to not only be a companion to the Plastic Ono Band reissue, but a bold, respectful and unique standalone adaptation of his dad’s masterpiece. It was surreal.”

Levitan quickly enlisted Raskin, the director/writer of “Walrus” who then brought on Braithwaite as illustrator.

“James and I met in high school and he became my best friend and favorite artist pretty much immediately,” said Raskin. “His art always reminded me of John’s drawings but taken in a whole other direction with his own dark, hilarious magic, so when Jerry approached me to make the film, James was the only pen wizard for the job. For this project, the idea was really to make animated loops in a similar style to ‘I Met The Walrus’ but with all the fanciness stripped out, the way we would have made them in 1970. Less computers, more moms. Sean came up with the big picture direction and then I would come up with individual scenes and direct the process of making them into animations with James’ artwork.”

Braithwaite adds, “When Sean discovered the hero's journey hidden within this record, it completely blew my mind. It's one of those things that's hard to see at first, but once you see it, it's impossible to ignore. Once the story arc was established, each canvas was then a complicated little puzzle we had to work at until the perfect balance was found. But once that balance is found, I think this micro format can be extremely powerful – like a little visual poem that you can read extra meaning into as you repeatedly watch.”

I AM THE EGBERT
JOHN LENNON/PLASTIC ONO BAND – THE ULTIMATE MIXES

The story of Egbert’s life plays out on the canvasses in the following order, with descriptions from Sean Ono Lennon:

Mother
Egbert is born into a world that is not so much cruel
but rather indifferent to his existence.

Hold On
Egbert finds respite from reality in the bosom of a
blossom.

I Found Out
Egbert finds further alienation from his interactions
with the other boys at school.

Working Class Hero
The adults in Egbert’s life seem to want him to be
something or someone he is not.

Isolation
Egbert feels utterly alone.

Remember
Loneliness leads Egbert to creativity.

Love
Creativity leads Egbert to meet the girl.

Well Well Well
The girl leads Egbert to become a man.

Look At Me
Little Egbert Jr. is born.

God
As Egbert and his wife grow old together, they realize
that everything they need they have in each other.

My Mummy’s Dead
Egbert remembers his mother. Now that he himself is a parent,
he regrets having judged her so harshly.

BONUS TRACKS

Give Peace A Chance
Former adversaries resolve their differences and
come together in dance and song.

Cold Turkey
Despite finding love, Egbert remains troubled by
events in his childhood that cause him to act
irrationally at times. Here he can be seen trying to
escape these behaviors unsuccessfully.

Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)
We are all of us, Egbert included, just a blink in the
eye of Brahma.

Stills © 2021 Yoko Ono Lennon

The Zappa Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, the companion album to the highly acclaimed Alex Winter-directed documentary “Zappa” about the prolific genius composer, free speech activist, cultural ambassador to Czechoslovakia and legendary musician, Frank Zappa, is now available as a 5LP deluxe vinyl box set via Zappa Records/UMe. The collection follows the surprise digital release of the soundtrack released in conjunction with the film on Franksgiving, November 27th, 2020 and the 3CD version released in February. The box set is available on 180-gram black vinyl as well as on limited edition 180-gram smoke vinyl, exclusively via Zappa.com, uDiscover and Sound of Vinyl online stores. An abbreviated 2LP edition on 180-gram clear vinyl is also available. “Zappa” is now streaming via Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/movie/zappa-a3d996df-569c-4e33-be35-f18667a8dd1c

Listen and purchase Zappa Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: https://FrankZappa.lnk.to/Soundtrack

Watch “Zappa”: https://www.thezappamovie.com

With unfettered access to the Zappa Vault and all its archival footage, “Zappa,” directed by Alex Winter and distributed by Magnolia Pictures, explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Winter’s assembly features appearances by Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa and several of his musical collaborators including Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others. Announced on Kickstarter in 2016, the film became the highest-funded documentary in the crowdfunding site’s history.

Certified “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with 96% on the Tomatometer, the film has received overwhelmingly positive reviews with the Wall Street Journal hailing it as “Compelling. Epic. Accomplishes the acrobatic act of doing justice to a figure like Frank Zappa,” and Variety declaring, “ZAPPA creates an emotional through line that lends a rare clarity to the life and work of this most idiosyncratic of all rock stars,” adding, “A multimedia immersion. When Winter takes on a subject like this one, he doesn’t just explore it; he surrounds and penetrates it. The movie insists on seeing Frank Zappa not from the outside but, rather, in the way that he saw himself: as a deadly serious and obsessive aesthete-musician in freak’s clothing, a man consumed by breaking out of what he viewed as the shackling boundaries of the pop-music business." Washington Post calls it, "a whirlwind yet comprehensive journey through pop culture and politics. Winter gives Zappa pride of place among the most important composers of the 20th century,” while Rolling Stone raves, “ZAPPA does exactly what it sets out to do: establish its subject as one of 20th-century music’s most innovative and uncompromising composers. A perfect roadmap for future generations of fans,” and Mojo describes it as “dazzling and gripping.”

Showcasing Zappa’s unique sonic brilliance and nearly every song heard in the film, the 68-track soundtrack features 12 previously unreleased recordings from The Vault, which include performances from the Whisky A Go-Go in 1968, the Fillmore West in ‘70 and Zappa’s famed performance of “Dancin’ Fool” on “Saturday Night Live” in ’78, and spans Zappa’s expansive catalog with 25 additional songs from across his peerless and influential career, from his seminal 1966 debut double album with the Mothers of Invention, Freak Out!, to the final release of his lifetime, 1993’s The Yellow Shark, a live orchestral album performed by the Ensemble Modern in Europe in 1992.

The soundtrack includes songs from Zappa’s record labels Straight and Bizarre Records such as “No Longer Umpire” from Alice Cooper’s debut album, Pretties For You, originally released on Straight in 1969; “The Captain’s Fat Theresa Shoes” by GTO’s, from the all-girl group’s one and only album, Permanent Damage, produced by Zappa. It also includes two classical compositions by Zappa’s lifetime inspirations Edgard Varese and Igor Stravinsky as well as several interview clips. The soundtrack is rounded out with 26 original score cues newly composed by John Frizzell for the documentary.

Taken together “Zappa” and the companion soundtrack offer a riveting, revealing and emotional portrait of Frank Zappa, a trailblazer, iconoclast, virtuosic musician and fearless artist who forever changed music and culture with his unconventional and uncompromising vision. From his early psychedelic rock beginnings to his avant-garde experimentation, jazz-rock explorations, symphonic suites and satirical send-ups to his conceptual, compositional and technological innovations, Zappa shattered the norms every step of the way and his influence and ethos continues to reverberate as strongly today as ever.

The definitive biography of one of the most enduring and endeared recording artists in history—the Carpenters—will be told for the first time from the perspective of Richard Carpenter, through more than 100 hours of exclusive interviews and some 200 photographs from Richard’s personal archive, many never published. CARPENTERS: THE MUSICAL LEGACY is coming to bookstores on October 19th. Pre-order your copy of CARPENTERS: THE MUSICAL LEGACY today, HERE:

After becoming multi-million selling, Grammy-winning superstars with their 1970 breakthrough “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” Richard and Karen Carpenter would win over fans worldwide with a record-breaking string of hits including “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Top of the World” and “Yesterday Once More.” In CARPENTERS: THE MUSICAL LEGACY, Richard Carpenter tells their story with candor, heart, and humor, chronicling the ups and downs of the duo, whose work remains the gold standard for melodic pop. Listen to The Carpenters now, HERE

About the authors:

Mike Cidoni Lennox has logged forty years as an entertainment journalist, producing features for dozens of outlets, including Billboard, Variety, Gannett News Service, and Clear Channel stations. He currently services as a senior entertainment reporter, producing video and text features for the Associated Press.

Chris May is a longtime Carpenters expert and historian, as well as a moderator and contributor of sixteen years for the popular online Carpenters discussion forum at A&M Corner. May has over twenty-five years of experience in the music industry as a music director, arranger, producer, and radio host.

"Look under your bed—it'll set you free."

With those enticingly enigmatic words, an empathetic, hip older sister bequeaths to her hyper-smart but nerdy 11-year-old brother her Rosetta Stone to life in the late-'60s: a prized trove of expertly curated rock, pop, and folk albums that set into chaotic motion young William Miller's eye- ear- and mind-opening journey in director Cameron Crowe's quasi-autobiographical 2000 ode to rock 'n' roll fandom, Almost Famous.

Two decades later, the Oscar/BAFTA/Golden Globe Award-winning film remains one of the sweetest love letters to the genre, one that deftly captured the look, the sound, the feel, the attitude of what rock 'n' roll meant to its creators, its most fervent adherents, its hangers-on and its worried parents during a golden era of pop music. The movie's legacy is celebrated with the first-ever release of all the music that so powerfully fueled Crowe's story, based on his own power chord-driven odyssey from wide-eyed music-loving kid to respected rock journalist to celebrated filmmaker.

UMe has compiled multiple iterations of the film's Grammy® Award-winning soundtrack, augmented comprehensively in the limited-edition Uber Box set that encompasses an expanded soundtrack with five CDs, seven 180-gram black vinyl discs, and a brand new 7-inch for Stillwater's "Fever Dog." The expanded soundtrack includes songs from The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Who, and Yes, plus all the songs created for the film's fictional aspiring rock group Stillwater, most written for the movie by Cameron Crowe, Heart's Nancy Wilson and Grammy Award-winning guitarist, Peter Frampton. The Uber Box includes bonus items such as a 40-page photo book and memoir housed in a film-prop-replica of William Miller's high-school notebook complete with writings by Cameron Crowe, Nancy Wilson, along with cast and crew members; the first-ever complete William Miller cover story on Stillwater as a 1973 Rolling Stone newsprint; two replica ticket stubs from Stillwater's San Diego and Cleveland concerts; and a Stillwater tour poster. Exclusively available only in the Uber Boxset is a Stillwater Cleveland concert poster and a backstage poster; six film-prop-replica backstage passes (some seen throughout the film); three film-prop-replica business cards for Dick Roswell (Stillwater road manager), Lester Bangs (Creem magazine), and Ben Fong-Torres (Rolling Stone magazine); and three photo prints of cast members. Pre-order the ALMOST FAMOUS EXPANDED SOUNDTRACK now and listen to Stillwater's Bonus Track "Love Comes And Goes," HERE.

Among the 103 audio tracks are numerous clips of dialogue released for the first time: including the promise from William's sister Anita that "One day you'll be cool," and crackling exchanges between William and vaunted Creem magazine rock critic Lester Bangs, the real-life mentor who offered early encouragement to then-teenaged rock fan Crowe to pursue his desire to write about the music he loved.

The box set points out how exceptional the Almost Famous soundtrack was and remains. Crowe arranged for a dedicated remix & edit of the Who's "Amazing Journey/Sparks" instrumental from their rock opera "Tommy" and live album "Live at Leeds." For another scene, Crowe had grabbed a bootleg live recording out of his stash for Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer" from a 1999 show, which Young recently unearthed from his extensive archive and newly mixed from the original multi-track analog tape for this release. The set is also highlighted with the inclusion of Elton John's iconic "Tiny Dancer," newly mixed with the cast members singing alongside the song as featured in the film.

Crowe found supremely qualified collaborators by drafting Wilson to compose the score and to team with Frampton to help write credible rock songs for Stillwater. For the new release of the soundtrack music, all of Wilson's brilliant score music is included, along with 14 score outtakes that didn't make the final film.

Along with the thirteen-disc Uber Deluxe box, Universal is issuing two six-LP editions—one on black vinyl, the other with colored vinyl discs; a five-CD Super Deluxe set including 102 tracks, 36 of them previously unreleased songs; a separate 12-inch vinyl EP with all 6 of Stillwater's songs; a Record Store Day exclusive with the 7 original demos of the Stillwater songs, five performed by Wilson the other two by Frampton; a two-LP vinyl version of the original soundtrack album; a two-CD Deluxe Edition of the original soundtrack.

"We are extremely proud to revisit ALMOST FAMOUS with a very special bounty of goodness," said Cameron Crowe. "For the first time, we've created a Deluxe Soundtrack that features nearly every song from the film, along with Nancy Wilson's wonderfully evocative score. We're also thrilled to finally preserve both versions of the film, along with a collection of rare new bonus features, on these beautiful new 4K and Blu-ray releases as part of Paramount Presents.  Long live physical media!"

To complement the expanded soundtrack, Paramount Home Entertainment will release the film for the first time on 4K Ultra HD, in a limited-edition Steelbook, as well as in a new limited-edition Blu-ray in the Paramount Presents line on July 13, 2021. Meticulously remastered from a new 4K film transfer under the supervision of Cameron Crowe, ALMOST FAMOUS is presented in stunning 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision® and HDR-10 for ultra-vivid picture quality.**  The limited-edition 4K Ultra HD Steelbook includes both the original theatrical cut (plus access to a digital copy) and the beloved Bootleg cut (aka "Untitled"), along with new bonus content offering a backstage pass into the creative process through a new interview with Crowe, extended scenes, rock-school sessions, a look at the casting and costumes, and more.  ALMOST FAMOUS will also be available in a limited-edition Blu-ray Disc™ in the Paramount Presents line.  With collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film's theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments, the release includes the remastered versions of the theatrical cut for the first time on Blu-ray (plus access to a digital copy) and the Bootleg cut, along with bonus content. The film has become a touchstone not just for music lovers who came of age in the swaggering early 1970s rock era that Almost Famous celebrates, but subsequent generations of music fans who connect with its timeless portrait of how music can offer solace, insight, and joyous release from whatever challenges life throws. Pre-order the Almost Famous film HERE.

Throughout this rock 'n' roll juggernaut,  William Miller, Stillwater, and the film's other players soak in the music of the day, all curated by Crowe using his knowledge of and connections to many of the biggest and most influential rock acts of the era. This manifests onscreen perhaps most memorably in the full-band bus singalong with Elton John and Bernie Taupin's "Tiny Dancer," the duo's tribute to their own groupies—or as William is quickly corrected by Stillwater's female fans when he uses the term, "We’re Band-Aids!”—emphasizing the distinction between those who crassly latch on to rock stars simply for their celebrity versus those who try to get closer because of their love for the music.

“In the late sixties, adventuresome and modern directors like Mike Nichols began moving away from traditional orchestral score in their movies,” Crowe writes in an essay accompanying the new project. “The Graduate, with its deft and emotional use of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Sounds of Silence,’ changed the landscape.”

It surely did in Almost Famous: Led Zeppelin approved the use of five songs for the film—unprecedented at the time. When Crowe showed the film to Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page during his pitch to persuade them to grant use of the songs he wanted, Plant raised a question: “Was your mother really like that?” after taking in Frances McDormand’s endearingly taut performance as William’s over-anxious, over-protective college professor mom, Elaine. Cameron told him, “That and more.”

The original release of the film’s soundtrack included only Zeppelin’s “That’s the Way,” while the new set adds in “Misty Mountain Hop,” “The Rain Song,” “Bron-Yr-Aur” and “Tangerine,” the latter employed so effectively during the film’s finale as Stillwater’s tour bus trundles off into the sunset.

Actor Jason Lee, whose performance as Stillwater vocalist Jeff Bebe nailed a combination of bravado and underlying insecurity, says, “Every time I watch the movie…every time the bus is pulling away as Led Zeppelin’s ‘Tangerine’ plays at the end…it kind of crushes me a little bit. That song is a … killer. And with the dust kicking up as the bus is driving away…that moment for me, watching it as an audience member? Perfect. Watching it as a cast member and an audience member? It’s bittersweet.”

As Crowe puts it about finding the right music for each scene in a film, “Something magical happened when the actor and the scene and the music worked together. Often it’s a shotgun marriage, but every once in a while, everything clicks. That’s when a movie can sear your soul.”

He had experienced that power while directing his debut film, Say Anything…, and again in his 1992 romantic comedy Singles as well as in 1996’s Jerry Maguire. “By the time we got to the next one,” he said of approaching Almost Famous, “I was ready to put the music at the center of the movie.”

For any Almost Famous fan, this is the ultimate collection, a vibrant, reverberating reminder of the ways rock ‘n’ roll can break your heart and bust your chops--but also the music’s power to set you free.
 

UBER BOX TRACKLIST - *Previously unreleased

CD 1

1.  The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) – Alvin & The Chipmunks
2.  The Oogum Boogum Song – Brenton Wood
3.  America – Simon & Garfunkel
4.  “One Day You’ll Be Cool”
5.  Amazing Journey / Sparks (Almost Famous Version) – The Who*
6.  Search And Destroy – Iggy & The Stooges
7.  “Rock N’ Roll It’s Over”
8.  It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference – Todd Rundgren
9.  “Don’t Take Drugs”
10.  Teacher (U.S. Version) – Jethro Tull
11.  “We Are Band Aids”
12.  Roundabout – Yes
13.  “Incendiary”
14.  I’ve Seen All Good People: a. Your Move, b. All Good People – Yes
15.  Feel Flows – The Beach Boys
16.  “This Is Penny Lane”
17.  River – Joni Mitchell
18.  “Piggyback Ride (San Diego)”
19.  Fever Dog – Stillwater

CD 2

1. Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart
2. Small Time Blues (Acoustic) – The Hyatt Singers
3. Something In The Air – Stillwater*
4. Easy To Slip – Little Feat
5. “Rolling Stone Magazine”
6. Go All The Way – The Raspberries
7. Mr. Farmer – The Seeds
8. One Way Out (Live) – The Allman Brothers Band
9. “Don’t Forget The Rules”
10.  Albert Flasher (Live) – The Guess Who
11.  Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd
12.  “Just Make Us Look Cool”
13.  Love Thing – Stillwater
14.  That’s The Way – Led Zeppelin
15.  Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere – Neil Young & Crazy Horse
16.  Future Games – Fleetwood Mac
17.  Burn – Deep Purple
18.  You Had To Be There – Stillwater
19.  “I Am A Golden God”
20.  Dear Jill – Blodwyn Pig
21.  Tiny Dancer (Almost Famous Version) – Elton John, Stillwater & Cast*

CD 3

1. Looking At You – MC5
2. Reeling In The Years (Live) – Steely Dan*
3. Lucky Trumble – Nancy Wilson
4. Untitled – Jeff Bebe*
5. I’m Waiting For The Man (Live) – David Bowie
6. “Your Mom Kind Of Freaked Me Out”
7. “Please Welcome Stillwater!”
8. Love Comes And Goes – Stillwater
9. “You Gotta Take What You Can, When You Can”
10. The Wind – Cat Stevens
11. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
12. Slip Away – Clarence Carter
13. Misty Mountain Hop – Led Zeppelin
14. Wishing Well – Free
15. “Cover Of The Rolling Stone”
16. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters – Elton John
17. Colour My World – Jefferson High School Band
18. My Cherie Amour – Stevie Wonder
19. Cortez The Killer (Live) – Neil Young*
20. “You Made Friends With Them”
21. The Rain Song – Led Zeppelin
22. “We All Know What You Did To Him”
23. Bron-Yr-Aur – Led Zeppelin
24. “What Do You Love About Music?”
25. Tangerine – Led Zeppelin

CD4

STILLWATER

1. Fever Dog
2. Love Thing
3. You Had To Be There
4. Hour Of Need
5. Chance Upon You
6. Love Comes And Goes

STILLWATER DEMOS

7. Love Comes And Goes (Early Version)*
8. Fever Dog*
9. Love Thing*
10. Chance Upon You*
11. Love Comes And Goes*
12. Hour Of Need*
13. You Had To Be There*

STILLWATER BACKSTAGE JAMS

14. That’s The Way (Acoustic) – Larry Fellows & Ed Valencourt*
15. Down By The River (Acoustic) – Larry Fellows & Ed Valencourt*
16. Fever Dog (Acoustic) – Stillwater*

CD5

ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SCORE

1. Prefunction*
2. Cabin By The River*
3. Lucky Trumble
4. Dapple Tree*
5. Cabin In The Air*
6. Dear Peggy*
7. Bye Bye Now*

ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SCORE OUTTAKES*

8. Cabin (Outtake 1)
9. Moody
10. Morocco
11. Aurora
12. Mood Swing
13. The Teenager
14. Borealis
15. Strummy
16. Tiny Dancer Intro
17. Mando Swagger
18. Cabin (Outtake 2)
19. Love Stomp
20. Function
21. Aaron’s Real Room

LP 1 – SIDE A

1. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) – Alvin & The Chipmunks
2. The Oogum Boogum Song – Brenton Wood
3. America – Simon & Garfunkel
4. “One Day You’ll Be Cool”
5. Amazing Journey / Sparks (Almost Famous Version) – The Who*
6. Search And Destroy – Iggy & The Stooges

LP 1 – SIDE B

1. “Rock N’ Roll It’s Over”
2. It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference – Todd Rundgren
3. “Don’t Take Drugs”
4. Teacher (U.S. Version) – Jethro Tull
5. “We Are Band Aids”
6. Roundabout – Yes

LP 2 – SIDE C

1. “Incendiary”
2. I’ve Seen All Good People: a. Your Move, b. All Good People – Yes
3. Feel Flows – The Beach Boys
4. “This Is Penny Lane”
5. River – Joni Mitchell

LP 2 – SIDE D

1. “Piggyback Ride (San Diego)”
2. Fever Dog – Stillwater
3. Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart
4. Small Time Blues (Acoustic) – The Hyatt Singers
5. Something In The Air – Stillwater* 

LP 3 – SIDE E

1. Easy To Slip – Little Feat
2. “Rolling Stone Magazine”
3. Go All The Way – The Raspberries
4. Mr. Farmer – The Seeds
5. One Way Out (Live) – The Allman Brothers Band
6. “Don’t Forget The Rules”
7. Albert Flasher (Live) – The Guess Who

LP 3 – SIDE F

1. Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd
2. “Just Make Us Look Cool”
3. Love Thing – Stillwater
4. That’s The Way – Led Zeppelin

LP 4 – SIDE G

1. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere – Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2. Future Games – Fleetwood Mac
3. Burn – Deep Purple
4. You Had To Be There – Stillwater

LP 4 – SIDE H

1. “I Am A Golden God”
2. Dear Jill – Blodwyn Pig
3. Tiny Dancer (Almost Famous Version) – Elton John, Stillwater & Cast*
4. Looking At You – MC5
5. Reeling In The Years (Live) – Steely Dan*

LP 5 – SIDE I

1. Lucky Trumble – Nancy Wilson
2. Untitled – Jeff Bebe*
3. I’m Waiting For The Man (Live) – David Bowie
4. “Your Mom Kind Of Freaked Me Out”
5. “Please Welcome Stillwater!”
6. Love Comes And Goes – Stillwater

LP 5 – SIDE J

1. “You Gotta Take What You Can, When You Can”
2. The Wind – Cat Stevens
3. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
4. Slip Away – Clarence Carter
5. Misty Mountain Hop – Led Zeppelin
6. Wishing Well – Free
7. “Cover Of The Rolling Stone”

LP 6 – SIDE K

1. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters – Elton John
2. Colour My World – Jefferson High School Band
3. My Cherie Amour – Stevie Wonder
4. Cortez The Killer (Live) – Neil Young*

LP 6 – SIDE L

1. “You Made Friends With Them”
2. The Rain Song – Led Zeppelin
3. “We All Know What You Did To Him”
4. Bron-Yr-Aur – Led Zeppelin
5. “What Do You Love About Music?”
6. Tangerine – Led Zeppelin

LP 7 - STILLWATER EP*

Side A

1. Fever Dog
2. Love Thing
3. You Had To Be There

Side B

1. Hour Of Need
2. Chance Upon You
3. Love Comes And Goes

FEVER DOG 7-INCH

Side A

1.   Fever Dog

Side B

1.   “Piggyback Ride (Cleveland)”*
2.    Fever Dog (Acoustic)*

*  Previously unreleased

Recorded and released in the wake of The Beatles’ April 1970 dissolution, George Harrison’s landmark solo album, All Things Must Pass, is a fully realized statement by a bold and audacious artist. Produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, the 23-track All Things Must Pass stands tall a half century later as an epic, ambitious expression of Harrison’s remarkable gift for sheer songcraft, powerful spirituality and a celebration of both his inimitable individuality and unique camaraderie with his fellow musicians.

All Things Must Pass was an overdue artistic release for George as a songwriter and musician. The first-ever triple studio album, All Things Must Pass overflows with a voluminous range of ideas, musical styles and influences, spanning rock ‘n’ roll, country, gospel, blues, pop, folk, R&B, Indian classical music, and devotional songs. Despite the album being wildly successful and Harrison’s affection for it, he would write in the liner notes for the 30th anniversary remaster, released in 2001, “I still like the songs on the album and believe they can continue to outlive the style in which they were recorded,” adding however, “it was difficult to resist re-mixing every track. All these years later I would like to liberate some of the songs from the big production that seemed appropriate at the time”.

Decades in the making and lovingly crafted by the Harrison family, All Things Must Pass has now been completely remixed from the original tapes for a stunning suite of 50th anniversary releases that fulfills Harrison’s longtime desire. Executive produced by Dhani Harrison, product produced by David Zonshine and mixed by triple GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon), the new mix transforms the album by sonically upgrading it - making it sound brighter, fuller and better than ever before.

Releasing August 6 via Capitol/UMe, All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Edition will be available in a variety of formats:

UBER DELUXE EDITION

Exclusive to GeorgeHarrison.com, uDiscover, and Sound of Vinyl, All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Edition will be available as a very limited Uber Deluxe Edition box set, which includes the album on 8LP (180g) and 5CD + 1 Blu-ray audio disc housed in an artisan designed wooden crate (approx. 12.4” X 12.4” X 17.5”). The collection explores the 1970 album sessions through 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes, offering an inside look into the creative process. The Blu-ray allows fans to experience the main album in high-res stereo, enveloping 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes.

The crate contains two books, an elaborate and expanded 96-page scrapbook curated by Olivia Harrison, with unseen imagery and memorabilia from the era, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, tape box images, a comprehensive track-by-track and more; while a second 44-page book chronicling the making of All Things Must Pass through extensive archival interviews with notes is also contained herein. The elegantly designed book pays homage to Harrison’s love of gardening and nature. The book also contains a wooden bookmark made from a felled Oak tree (Quercus Robur) in George’s Friar Park. This truly unique box will also contain 1/6 scale replica figurines of Harrison and the gnomes featured on the iconic album cover, a limited edition illustration by musician and artist Klaus Voormann, as well as a copy of Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Light from the Great Ones” and Rudraksha beads, contained in individual custom-made boxes.

SUPER DELUXE EDITION

The Super Deluxe Edition box set, presented on 8LP (180g) or 5CD + 1 Blu-ray audio disc, explores the 1970 album sessions through 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes. The Blu-ray allows fans to experience the main album in high-res stereo, enveloping 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes. The collection contains a beautiful 60-page scrapbook curated by Olivia Harrison, with unseen imagery and memorabilia from the era, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, tape box images, a comprehensive track-by-track and more. It also includes a replica of the original album poster.

All Things Must Pass will be released in multiple physical and digital configurations, including as a 5LP or 3CD Deluxe Edition that pairs the main album with the sessions outtakes and jams. The main album will be available on its own as 2CD, 3LP or limited edition 3LP color vinyl. All versions are available for pre-order now.

"Since the 50th anniversary stereo mix release of the title track to my father’s legendary All Things Must Pass album in 2020, my dear pal Paul Hicks and I have continued to dig through mountains of tapes to restore and present the rest of this newly remixed and expanded edition of the album you now see and hear before you,” says Dhani Harrison. “Bringing greater sonic clarity to this record was always one of my father’s wishes and it was something we were working on together right up until he passed in 2001. Now, 20 years later, with the help of new technology and the extensive work of Paul Hicks we have realized this wish and present to you this very special 50th Anniversary release of perhaps his greatest work of art. Every wish will be fulfilled."

The All Things Must Pass sessions began just six weeks after the April 1970 announcement of The Beatles’ break-up. Two days were spent recording thirty demos in Studio Three at EMI Studios, Abbey Road in St. John’s Wood, London. The first day, May 26, saw Harrison record fifteen songs backed by Ringo Starr and his longtime friend, bassist Klaus Voormann, beginning with “All Things Must Pass.” The next day, May 27, George played an additional fifteen songs for co-producer Phil Spector. The All Things Must Pass Uber and Super Deluxe Editions collects all 30 of these remarkable demo recordings, including 26 tracks never before officially released and several songs that didn’t make the album like “Cosmic Empire,” “Going Down To Golders Green,” “Dehra Dun,” “Sour Milk Sea,” and “Mother Divine.”

The scope of Harrison’s songwriting remains breathtaking – his deeply personal introspection and striking wit is matched by the album’s boldly extravagant production. With its densely orchestrated textures and eclectic embrace of myriad genres, Harrison and Phil Spector’s groundbreaking sonic approach set a grand blueprint for countless artists to follow.

George had been stockpiling material for nearly half a decade, with a number of songs – including “Isn’t It A Pity” and the title track – rehearsed with, but not recorded by, The Beatles. Further songs evinced Harrison’s growing frustration over those preceding years, including “Wah-Wah,” the dramatic “Beware of Darkness,” and “Run Of The Mill,” the latter named by both George and Olivia Harrison as one of their all-time favorites.

Written by George while producing Billy Preston’s 1969 Apple Records solo debut but saved for his own album a year later, the glorious “What Is Life” highlights the artist at his most exultant. At the album’s heart were songs like “My Sweet Lord,” “Awaiting On You All” and the impassioned “Hear Me Lord,” each of which epitomized Harrison’s lifelong inner journey.

An anthem weaving a chant of the Hare Krishna mantra and “hallelujah,” “My Sweet Lord” proved a worldwide smash upon its November 1970 single release, making history as the first solo single by a former Beatle to reach #1 in the UK or the US. Inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame in 2014, the indelible anthem of spiritual and religious unity has remained one of the world’s most beloved songs, named among the “Greatest Songs of All Time” by both Rolling Stone and NME. Last year saw a limited edition clear vinyl 7″ of “My Sweet Lord” released by the George Harrison Estate in partnership with Record Store Day‘s Black Friday event on November 27, 2020 – the official 50th anniversary of All Things Must Pass’ original release.

Harrison's close friendship with Bob Dylan begat two songs: the album-opening “I’d Have You Anytime” was co-written with Dylan, while the classic “If Not For You” was at the time an unreleased Dylan composition. The All Things Must Pass Super Deluxe Edition includes previously unreleased demo recordings of both songs as well as “Nowhere To Go” and “I Don’t Want To Do It,” another original Dylan song later recorded by George for a 1985 soundtrack but remains unrecorded by Dylan himself.

George brought together a stunning roster of friends and fellow musicians to record All Things Must Pass, including Ringo Starr, Klaus Voormann, and Billy Preston, along with Eric Clapton and his new American bandmates, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock, and Jim Gordon (soon to be known collectively as Derek and the Dominoes). Badfinger’s Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland, and Mike Gibbons contributed additional acoustics and percussion. Phil Spector’s desire for multiple pianos, layers of acoustic guitars, and more drums saw the addition of Peter Frampton and Jerry Shirley from Humble Pie, Spooky Tooth’s Gary Wright, Plastic Ono Band veteran and future Yes drummer Alan White, Traffic’s Dave Mason, Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker, and the in-demand horn section of Bobby Keys and Jim Price. Pete Drake, legendary Nashville session musician provided pedal steel guitar on several tracks. Arrangements for strings and horns came from longtime collaborator John Barham.

The original release of All Things Must Pass collected 18 songs over two LPs alongside a third LP – dubbed “Apple Jam” – showcasing four improvised instrumentals including a pair recorded as part of Derek and the Dominoes’ first ever official recording session in June 1970. In addition, the “Apple Jam” disc includes “It’s Johnny’s Birthday,” sung to the tune of Cliff Richard’s 1968 hit “Congratulations” and recorded as a gift from Harrison to mark John Lennon’s 30th birthday.

The All Things Must Pass session tapes created in 1970 include over twenty-five hours of music on forty-nine 1” eight-track tapes, four 2” sixteen-track tapes, and forty-four ¼” stereo tapes. Richard Radford, Archivist for the George Harrison Estate oversaw the preservation of the tape collection, with the original analog multi-track and stereo tapes transferred to 192 KHz/24bit digital preservation copies.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the War and Peace of rock and roll” and “an intensely personal statement and a grandiose gesture,” All Things Must Pass was met by unanimous critical acclaim and spectacular commercial success, spending seven weeks at #1 on Billboard’s “Top LPs” chart and eight weeks atop the UK’s official albums chart (though chart records until 2006 mistakenly stated that it had peaked at #4). Currently certified 6x platinum by the RIAA, All Things Must Pass later received a 1972 GRAMMY® Award nomination for “Album of the Year,” while “My Sweet Lord” earned a GRAMMY® nod for “Record of the Year.” “What Is Life,” the album’s second single, also became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in the US and Canada as well as #1 in Australia and Switzerland.

All Things Must Pass has only grown in influence and stature in the half-century since its initial release, including induction in the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame and inclusion on The Times of London’s “The 100 Best Albums of All Time” and Rolling Stone’s 2020 listing of “The Top 500 Albums of All Time.” Pitchfork declared it to have “changed the terms of what an album could be.”

Nobody knew, not even Frank Zappa, as he led his 11-strong band through a celebratory version of “America The Beautiful” to close out his show at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on March 25, 1988, that it would be the last time he’d ever play in the United States. Days later, the '88 band would trek to Europe for a multi-country tour, only to implode on the road before they could make it back to the States for another round of scheduled shows. Despite the growing tensions in the band, the ensemble was considered one of the best Zappa ever put together, a skilled mix of extremely talented musicians made up of both longtime members that had played with The Maestro from the early days alongside exciting new additions, bolstered by his favorite new instrument, the Synclavier. A well-oiled machine armed with an extensive 100-song repertoire, the adroit band were equally as adept at playing Zappa’s complex and challenging, genre-defying songs as they were performing classical compositions by the likes of Bartók, Ravel and Stravinsky.

Zappa’s historic, final American show is now available for the first time as the new live album, Zappa ’88: The Last U.S. Show via Zappa Records/UMe. The first posthumous archival release from the ‘88 touring band, the album features 29 unreleased performances including two additional performances from the same tour: Zappa’s wild interpretations of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Whipping Post” from the March 16 show in Providence, R.I. and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” from the March 23 Towson, Md. show. The record is also notable for containing the first official release of the much talked about “The Beatles Medley.”

Zappa ’88: The Last U.S. Show is available now to stream and download, on 2 CD or as a 4LP 180-gram vinyl box, available on both black vinyl or as a limited edition 180-gram purple vinyl variant, exclusively via the official Frank Zappa online store or uDiscover. Fully authorized by the Zappa Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers, the recordings have been newly mixed by Craig Parker Adams in 2020 from the 48-track digital master tapes. The shows were recorded using two Sony 3324 DASH PCM 24 track tape recorders synced together using a Lynx Time Code Module, thus providing 48 track recording capabilities. The album is rounded out with detailed liner notes by Travers and Zappa ’88 drummer Chad Wackerman, who celebrated his 28th birthday on stage and is serenaded by Zappa and the crowd, as well as photos from the tour by Peder Andersson.

As Travers writes in the liner notes, “Start with the fulcrum of the 1981-1984 touring bands (Robert, Scott & Chad), bring back Ike Willis, add the Synclavier digital workstation, a 5-piece horn section with multi-instrumentalist Mike Keneally and you have what FZ famously described as “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life.” While saying “never heard” might have been a bit of hyperbole, it wasn’t far off as the short-lived band (four months of rehearsal in 1987/1988, followed by a tour from February through June 1988) only played a few dozen shows on the East Coast and Europe before disbanding. Nonetheless, the shows they did play together were electrifying and a masterclass in musicianship.

With Zappa on lead guitar, vocals, and wielding his new obsession the Synclavier, he led the proceedings through a career-spanning set, backed by a stellar cast of veteran band members and newly added members: Mike Keneally (guitar, synth, vocals), Scott Thunes (electric bass, Minimoog), Ike Willis (rhythm guitar, synth, vocals), Chad Wackerman (drums, electronic percussion), Ed Mann (vibes, marimba, electronic percussion), Robert Martin (keyboards, vocals) and the cracking horn section of Walt Fowler (trumpet, flugel horn, synth), Bruce Fowler (trombone), Paul Carman (alto, soprano and baritone sax), Albert Wing (tenor sax) and Kurt McGettrick (baritone and bass sax, contrabass clarinet). The band prepped nearly 100 songs and the sets were wide ranging, spanning tunes from the first Mothers of Invention albums, but with characteristically updated and often times ever-evolving arrangements (“I Ain’t Got No Heart,” “Love Of My Life,” “Who Needs The Peace Corps?”), to new compositions created for the ‘88 tour (“Jesus Thinks You’re A Jerk” and “When The Lie’s So Big”) as well as classical compositions (Bartók, Ravel, Stravinsky) that Zappa liked to play to expose his audiences to music he appreciated. In addition to the inclusion of the 5-piece horn section and it being Keneally’s only tour, the concerts also included extensive use of sampling through the then current machine, the Synclavier, which Zappa took on the road for the first time, as well as percussionists Mann and Wackerman’s use of electronic sounds in their set ups.

Zappa ’88: The Last U.S. Show includes all of this and many more highlights such as fan favorites, “Peaches In Regalia,” “The Black Page” “Inca Roads,” “Sharleena” “Sofa #1” and “Pound For A Brown.” It also includes a horn-laden cover of The Beatles’ “I Am The Walrus,” and the first official release of the highly sought after “The Beatles Medley,” which features the band performing the music of The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” with the lyrics completely changed to reflect the then-recent sex scandal of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart. The bawdy lyrics poke fun at the hypocritical minister and was part of Zappa’s agenda to demystify televangelists.

Just how Zappa felt it was important to rail against toxically prude self-appointed culture protectors and whatever hypocrisy or hypocrite rankled him that day, he was also a motivator of positive action, passionate about causes, especially voting rights, making it his mission to get his audiences to register to vote. With a presidential election looming, Zappa offered voter registration on the tour, aided by The League of Women Voters. Fans were encouraged to vote before the show or during a special 20-minute intermission in the middle of the two-hour plus concert, which would start with Zappa triggering the Synclavier to play a piece of music. In Uniondale it was “One Man, One Vote.” Notably, the version here is a different mix than the studio version released on Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention. Zappa 88: The Last U.S. Show kicks off with Zappa extolling the importance of voting and encouraging the unregistered to sign up at the show by registering someone live on stage. It was followed by a representative from Governor Mario Cuomo’s office reading a message congratulating “Mr. Zappa for the important work you are doing encouraging your audiences and others to register and vote.”

“Sadly after the European run was over,” as Travers pens in the liners, “Frank Zappa chose to disband the group and cancel the rest of the tour, reportedly forfeiting $400,000.00 in revenue and depriving additional audiences the opportunity to witness how special this group really was. With all of the time and money spent to prepare and promote the tour, not to mention the potential within the talented band and crew, now in 2021, it’s an even more historic loss considering FZ was to never tour again.”

Fortunately, Zappa’s final U.S. show, like so many others of his, was documented and can now be experienced in its glory more than three decades later.

FRANK ZAPPA – ZAPPA ’88: THE LAST U.S. SHOW TRACKLISTING

2CD/DIGITAL

DISC 1

1. “We Are Doing Voter Registration Here”

2. The Black Page (New Age Version)

3. I Ain’t Got No Heart

4. Love Of My Life

5. Inca Roads

6. Sharleena

7. Who Needs The Peace Corps?

8. I Left My Heart In San Francisco

9. Dickie’s Such An Asshole

10. When The Lie’s So Big

11. Jesus Thinks You’re A Jerk

12. Sofa #1

13. One Man, One Vote

14. Happy Birthday, Chad!

15. Packard Goose Pt. 1

16. Royal March From “L’Histoire Du Soldat”

17. Theme From The Bartok Piano Concerto #3

18. Packard Goose Pt. II

19. The Torture Never Stops Pt. I

20. Theme From “Bonanza”

DISC 2

1. Lonesome Cowboy Burt

2. The Torture Never Stops Pt. II

3. City Of Tiny Lites

4. Pound For A Brown

5. The Beatles Medley

6. Peaches En Regalia

7. Stairway To Heaven

8. I Am The Walrus

9. Whipping Post

10. Bolero

11. America The Beautiful

4LP VINYL

LP1
SIDE 1

1. “We Are Doing Voter Registration Here”

2. The Black Page (New Age Version)

3. I Ain’t Got No Heart

4. Love Of My Life

SIDE 2

1. Inca Roads

2. Sharleena

3. Who Needs The Peace Corps?

4. I Left My Heart In San Francisco

LP2
SIDE 3

1. Dickie’s Such An Asshole

2. When The Lie’s So Big

3. Jesus Thinks You’re A Jerk

4. Sofa #1

5. One Man, One Vote

LP2
SIDE 4

1. Happy Birthday, Chad!

2. Packard Goose Pt. I

3. Royal March From “L’Histoire Du Soldat”

4. Theme From The Bartok Piano Concerto #3

5. Packard Goose Pt. II

6. The Torture Never Stops Pt. I

7. Theme From “Bonanza”

8. Lonesome Cowboy Burt

LP3
SIDE 5

1. The Torture Never Stops Pt. II

2. City Of Tiny Lites

3. Pound For A Brown PT. I

LP3
SIDE 6

1. Pound For A Brown PT. II

2. The Beatles Medley (Lennon/McCartney)

3. Peaches En Regalia

LP4
SIDE 7

1. Stairway To Heaven

2. I Am The Walrus

LP4
SIDE 8

1. Whipping Post

2. Bolero

3. America The Beautiful

The Beach Boys are thrilled to share an unreleased live version of fan favorite “Susie Cincinnati” as the next preview to their forthcoming new box set, Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971, due August 27 via Capitol/UMe. Written and sung by Al Jardine, the rollicking, horn-laden performance was recorded nearly 45 years ago at a legendary stadium concert in Anaheim, Calif. on July 3, 1976 that heralded the return of Brian Wilson to the live stage for his first full show with The Beach Boys in many years, part of the “Brian’s Back” publicity campaign that also signaled his return to the studio and the release of the group’s new 15 Big Ones album, celebrating 15 years of the band. At this famed concert, The Beach Boys band was augmented with a full horn section and the brass gives “Susie Cincinnati” a whole new edge. Originally released in 1970 as the B-side to Sunflower standout, “Add Some Music To You Day,” the song was remixed for 1976’s 15 Big Ones. “Susie Cincinnati” (Live) is available to stream and download now.

Pre-order Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971

Feel Flows is being released in honor of 50 years of The Beach Boys’ timeless and often underappreciated albums, Sunflower and Surf’s Up. The expansive 5CD box set chronicles and explores in depth this metamorphic and highly influential 1969-1971 period of the band’s legendary career. Assembled by Mark Linett and Alan Boyd, the team behind 2013’s GRAMMY® Award-winning SMiLE Sessions, the expansive collection features newly remastered versions of Sunflower and Surf’s Up and boasts 135 tracks, including 108 previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the album sessions.

Housed in a book style package, the set is rounded out with a 48-page book loaded with unreleased and rare photos, lyric sheets, tape box images, recording artifacts, insightful new liner notes by noted radio veteran and Beach Boys afficionado Howie Edelson, and new and archival interviews from Al Jardine, Brian Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, and others. Feel Flows will also be released in abbreviated versions including 4LP on both black vinyl and limited edition Translucent Blue and Translucent Gold color vinyl, 2LP black vinyl and 2CD editions.

FEEL FLOWS – THE SUNFLOWER AND SURF’S UP SESSIONS 1969-1971

DISC 1

SUNFLOWER - ORIGINAL ALBUM

1. Slip On Through (2019 master) (2:19)

2. This Whole World (2019 master) (1:58)

3. Add Some Music To Your Day (2019 master) (3:36)

4. Got To Know The Woman (2019 master) (2:43)

5. Deirdre (2019 master) (3:30)

6. It’s About Time (2019 master) (2:57)

7. Tears In The Morning (2019 master) (4:07)

8. All I Wanna Do (2019 master) (2:36)

9. Forever (2019 master) (2:42)

10. Our Sweet Love (2019 master) (2:41)

11. At My Window (2019 master) (2:32)

12. Cool, Cool Water (2019 master) (5:03)

13. Sunflower Promo 1 (previously unreleased) (0:59)

SUNFLOWER - LIVE

Previously Unreleased – Produced by The Beach Boys

14. This Whole World (Live 1988) (2:10)

15. Add Some Music To Your Day (Live 1993) (3:23)

16. Susie Cincinnati (Live 1976) (2:46)

17. Back Home (Live 1976) (3:15)

18. It’s About Time (Live 1971) (3:45)

19. Riot In Cell Block 9 (Live 1970) (3:34)

SUNFLOWER - BONUS TRACKS

20. Break Away (original 1969 single mix) (2:55)

21. Celebrate The News (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (2:37)

22. Loop De Loop (previously unreleased 1969 mix) (2:59)

23. San Miguel (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (2:33)

24. Susie Cincinnati (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (3:02)

25. Good Time (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:56)

26. Two Can Play (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:06)

27. Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) (2021 stereo mix – previously unreleased) (3:21)

DISC TWO

SURF’S UP - ORIGINAL ALBUM

1. Don’t Go Near The Water (2019 master) (2:41)

2. Long Promised Road (2019 master) (3:32)

3. Take A Load Off Your Feet (2019 master) (2:32)

4. Disney Girls (1957) (2019 master) (4:08)

5. Student Demonstration Time (2019 master) (3:59)

6. Feel Flows (2019 master) (4:44)

7. Lookin’ At Tomorrow (A Welfare Song) (2019 master) (1:57)

8. A Day In The Life Of A Tree (2019 master) (3:09)

9. Til I Die (2019 master) (2:32)

10. Surf’s Up (2019 master) (4:14)

11. Surf’s Up Promo (previously unreleased) (1:02)

SURF’S UP - LIVE

Previously Unreleased

12. Take A Load Off Your Feet (Live 1993) (2:35)

13. Long Promised Road (Live 1972) (4:14)

14. Disney Girls (Live 1982) (4:23)

15. Surf’s Up (Live 1973) (4:58)

16. Student Demonstration Time (Live 1971) (4:42)

SURF'S UP - BONUS TRACKS

Previously unreleased (unless otherwise noted)

17. Big Sur (previously unreleased) (2:35)

18. H.E.L.P. Is On The Way (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:31)

19. Sweet And Bitter (previously unreleased) (2:33)

20. My Solution (previously unreleased) (3:44)

21. 4th of July (2019 mix – previously unreleased) (3:11)

22. Sound of Free (1970 single mix, 2019 master) (2:22)

23. Lady (Fallin’ In Love) (1970 stereo mix – previously unreleased) (2:21)

24. Seasons In The Sun (previously unreleased) (3:27)

DISC THREE

SUNFLOWER SESSIONS

Previously unreleased

1. Sunflower Promo 2 (previously unreleased) (0:59)

2. Slip On Through (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:47)

3. This Whole World (long version track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:10)

4. Add Some Music To Your Day (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased) (4:35)

5. Deirdre (track – previously unreleased) (3:34)

6. It’s About Time (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:53)

7. Tears In The Morning (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (4:08)

8. All I Wanna Do (session intro, track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:46)

9. Forever (session highlights – previously unreleased) (3:36)

10. Forever (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:01)

11. Our Sweet Love (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:39)

12. At My Window (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:50)

13. Cool Cool Water (alternate 2019 mix – previously unreleased) (6:24)

14. San Miguel (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:57)

15. Loop De Loop (track – previously unreleased) (2:49)

16. Good Time (session intro, track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (4:27)

17. When Girls Get Together (track – previously unreleased) (1:47)

18. Slip On Through (alternate 1969 mix with session intro – previously unreleased) (3:25)

19. Our Sweet Love (string section – previously unreleased) (1:00)

1969-1970 A CAPPELLA

Previously unreleased

20. San Miguel (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (1:00)

21. Break Away (Tag) (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:18)

22. Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (2:44)

23. Good Time (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:19)

24. This Whole World (backing vocals section – previously unreleased) (1:05)

25. Add Some Music To Your Day (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (3:30)

26. Got To Know The Woman (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (2:52)

27. It’s About Time (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:50)

28. All I Wanna Do (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (2:58)

29. Forever (previously unreleased 2019 a Cappella mix) (2:52)

DISC FOUR

SURF’S UP SESSIONS

Previously unreleased

1. Don’t Go Near The Water (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:45)

2. Long Promised Road (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:38)

3. Take A Load Off Your Feet (alternate vocal – previously unreleased) (2:28)

4. Disney Girls (1957) (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (4:17)

5. Student Demonstration Time (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:46)

6. Feel Flows (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (5:02)

7. Lookin’ At Tomorrow (A Welfare Song) (session intro and alternate mix – previously unreleased) (2:43)

8. A Day In The Life Of A Tree (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:55)

9. Til I Die (long version with alternate lyrics – previously unreleased) (4:47)

(Brian Wilson)

10. Surf’s Up (2019 mix – previously unreleased) (4:08)

(Brian Wilson-Van Dyke Parks)

11. (Wouldn’t It Be Nice To) Live Again (extended 2019 – previously unreleased) (6:50)

(Dennis Wilson-Stanley Shapiro)

SURF'S UP - A CAPPELLA

Previously unreleased

12. Don’t Go Near The Water (previously unreleased 2020 a Cappella mix) (2:36)

(Alan Jardine-Mike Love)

13. Long Promised Road (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (4:00)

14. Feel Flows (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:33)

15. Disney Girls (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:36)

16. A Day In The Life Of A Tree (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:32)

17. Til I Die (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (2:36)

18. Surf’s Up (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (4:04)

Bonus Tracks

Previously unreleased

19. I Just Got My Pay (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:43)

20. Walkin’ (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:44)

21. When Girls Get Together (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (3:45)

22. Baby Baby (previously unreleased) (3:13)

23. Awake (previously unreleased) (3:44)

24. It’s A New Day (previously unreleased) (2:20)

DISC FIVE

Bonus Disc

Previously unreleased

1. This Whole World (alternate ending – previously unreleased) (1:41)

2. Add Some Music To Your Day (previously unreleased alternate version) (3:27)

3. Don’t Go Near The Water (alternate version – previously unreleased) (2:42)

4. Surf’s Up Part 1 (1971 remake track with 1966 Brian vocal – previously unreleased) (1:41)

5. Soulful Old Man Sunshine (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (3:14)

(Brian Wilson-Rick Henn-Don Ralke)

6. I’m Goin’ Your Way (previously unreleased alternate mix) (2:24)

(Dennis Wilson)

7. Where Is She (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:22)

(Brian Wilson)

8. Carnival (Over The Waves/Sobra Las Olas) (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (1:34)

9. It’s Natural (previously unreleased) (2:35)

10. Medley: All Of My Love / Ecology (previously unreleased) (5:05)

11. Before (previously unreleased) (2:25)

12. Behold The Night (previously unreleased) (2:26)

13. Old Movie (Cuddle Up) (previously unreleased) (3:37)

14. Hawaiian Dream (previously unreleased) (4:33)

15. Settle Down / Sound Of Free (basic session outtake – previously unreleased) (2:17)

16. I’ve Got A Friend (previously unreleased) (2:26)

17. Til I Die (piano demo – previously unreleased) (1:55)

18. Back Home (previously unreleased demo) (2:20)

19. Back Home (alternate version – previously unreleased) (2:34)

20. Won’t You Tell Me (demo – previously unreleased) (2:01)

21. Won’t You Tell Me (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:54)

22. Barbara (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (2:59)

23. Slip On Through (early version track) (2:48)

24. Susie Cincinnati (basic session highlights – previously unreleased) (3:05)

25. My Solution (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:04)

26. You Never Give Me Your Money (previously unreleased) (0:40)

27. Medley: Happy Birthday, Brian / God Only Knows (previously unreleased) (2:47)

28. You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:32)

29. Marcella (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (3:27)

Elvis Costello and longtime collaborator, 18-time GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® award-winning producer, Sebastian Krys, have brought together a stunning international cast of some of the biggest Latin rock and pop artists from around the globe to interpret Elvis Costello and The Attractions’ album, This Year’s Model, entirely in Spanish. The inspired Spanish-language adaptations are set to the band’s classic studio performances, culled from the original master recordings, which have been newly mixed by Krys, revealing a new power and intensity to The Attractions’ 1978 instrumental performances. The mixes, sometimes running on, allow us to now hear “What Happened Next:” Costello and Mick Jones of The Clash lock dueling rhythm guitars in a thrilling coda to “Pump It Up” or Pete Thomas almost demolishing his drum kit at the end of “No Action.” There is even the occasional vocal cameo appearance by the bandleader, but the album can now be enjoyed in an entirely new way. Spanish Model is set for release September 10 via UMe.

Watch/share video for “Pump It Up” by Juanes

Pre-order Spanish Model

Pre-order This Year’s Model

As Costello and Krys began to think of artists that would be a good fit, they discovered that This Year’s Model was an important record to many artists in the pan-Latin world, but its true nature had never been fully appreciated because of the language barrier. They enlisted many Costello fans, a few who Krys and Costello felt would be a great fit for the song, and all of whom have stellar careers and were excited to participate and bring their own styles to the immediacy and poignancy of the original songs, helping to create an entirely new listening experience.

Spanish Model features such artists as: Cami, Draco Rosa, Fito Páez, Francisca Valenzuela & Luis Humberto Navejas (lead singer of Enjambre), Gian Marco & Nicole Zignago, Jesse & Joy, Jorge Drexler, Juanes, La Marisoul, Luis Fonsi, Morat, Nina Diaz, Pablo López, Raquel Sofía & Fuego, Sebastián Yatra, and Vega. They sing these timeless and universal songs, which have been expertly translated and adapted into Spanish to retain their meaning, energy, attitude, and wit. The concept represents what may be a first: an artist replacing their vocals with newly recorded performances by other artists singing in another language, backed by the original music. The full track listing is below:

1. No Action – Nina Diaz

2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego

3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa

4. Pump It Up – Juanes

5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul

6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi

7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas

8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year's Girl) – Cami

9. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López

10. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy

11. Lipstick Vogue – Morat

12. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler

13. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra

14. Radio Radio – Fito Páez

15. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago

16. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) - Vega

The album includes 16 tracks drawing from the original U.S. version of This Year’s Model (“Pump It Up,” “Radio Radio,” “This Year’s Girl,” “The Beat”) plus several other songs from those sessions. The album will be available on CD, digital and 180-gram vinyl.

This Year’s Model, which has been newly remastered, will also be released concurrently on CD and 180-gram black vinyl with the addition of “Big Tears” and “Radio Radio.” A limited edition version, that pairs both Spanish Model and the new pressing of This Year’s Model together as a 180-gram double LP, will be released exclusively via ElvisCostello.com, uDiscover and Sound Of Vinyl webstores.

Today’s launch is heralded with the release of an exciting video from Colombian superstar Juanes, whose own recently released Origen album was also produced by Sebastian Krys and featured Pete Thomas on drums. His exhilarating performance of “Pump It Up,” (with its spitfire lyrics now in Spanish) manages to match the same intensity and feel as the original, while Costello’s original backing vocals provide the trademark chorus and an instant familiarity. The video plays on this by transforming Costello’s signature video by rotoscoping the original and inserting Juanes’ head in place of Costello’s to create a playfully updated version that’s a perfect blend of the old and new, that this daring album embodies. “'Pump It Up' is such an iconic and signature song from Elvis' amazing repertoire, that it was a real honor to have the chance to sing with the original 1978 recording and be a part of that propulsive energy," Juanes said.

Spanish Model exudes the same kind of energy and spirit as the original but with a Latin twist. With 19 featured artists representing 10 countries and territories across the Spanish-speaking world including:  Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, plus several from the United States. The album is truly a global, collaborative affair. Costello’s spiky guitars collide with band mates Steve Nieve’s carnival-esque keys and the urgent, propulsive rhythms of bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas, as The Attractions virtually back a host of Latin music legends, contemporary stars and burgeoning artists for a set of thrilling Spanish-language performances imbued with each artist’s singular identity and style.

The idea for Spanish Model dates back to 2018 when it was sparked by a request by show runner, David Simon (“The Wire,” “Treme”), to turn “This Year’s Girl” into a duet with a singer, Natalie Bergman for the opening credits of the second season of his show, “The Deuce.” Shortly after that came to fruition, allowing Costello to hear his song in a new way, he had a dream where he heard This Year's Model, but in Spanish. With his curiosity and interest piqued he called his frequent collaborator, Argentinian-born, Latin GRAMMY Producer of the Year, Sebastian Krys, about the idea of having artists sing the entire album over the original backing tracks. It wasn’t long before the two were figuring out how to make the dream a reality.

Since releasing, My Aim Is True, in 1977, the ever musically curious Costello has allowed himself to follow his artistic desires wherever it takes him, often into unpredictable yet exciting territory. Across more than four decades, the iconoclast has reveled in exploring the human condition through a wildly diverse catalog that includes collaborations with Burt Bacharach, Allen Toussaint, Paul McCartney, T Bone Burnett, Brodsky Quartet, Spinal Tap, Anne Sofie von Otter, The Roots and his wife, Diana Krall along with many others spanning a dizzying array of genres, from country and jazz to orchestral, pop, rock, experimental and beyond, all the while keeping his audiences on their toes. After winning a Grammy for Look Now, his 2018 album with The Imposters, Costello recently released a French language EP, featuring French adaptations by Iggy Pop, Isabelle Adjani, Tshegue, Etta Somatis & AJUQ of songs from his acclaimed 2020 album, Hey Clockface.

“Part of the fun of this project is its unexpected nature,” Costello said. “Although, I think people in my audience that have been paying attention are pretty much used to surprises by now.”

“When Elvis told me the idea,” Krys said, “it took me about 15 seconds to answer. I have been in so many situations where I was trying to turn Latin artists onto Elvis Costello's music. The feedback I heard most often was ‘I love it. I wish I knew what he was saying.’ Spanish Model is an opportunity to turn an entire side of the world onto this great record and through these voices, get these ideas out. Lyrically, This Year's Model is still relevant today, what the songs have to say and how they say it.”

Costello and Krys worked closely with all the artists and in some cases with several songwriters, including Elsten Torres, Ximena Muñoz, Luis Mitre, Andie Sandoval, and Vega, to adapt the lyrics so the Spanish versions would seamlessly capture each song. With the lyrics in place, each artist set out to record.

The translation was key as Luis Fonsi explained: “The lyrics felt really natural. Nothing stuck out, and you can’t just read it. You must sing the lyrics to really know if the song will work or not. From the first time I started singing ‘You Belong To Me,’ it just felt natural. It's true to the original lyric. It has that same energy.”

“It’s tricky,” Fonsi said, “because you want to respect the original version. I tip-toed my way around it. Do you veer off a little bit? What’s the perfect combination?”

“I had a blast singing ‘Triggers,’” La Marisoul said. “The translation was beautiful. I just love ballads where I can get down and sing.”

Costello first hinted about the release last year when he created an “October surprise” playlist, 50 Songs for 50 Days, which included a, briefly available, preview of Spanish Model with Gian Marco and Nicole Zignago’s politically charged version of “Crawling To The U.S.A.” Costello and Krys recently discussed the origins of Spanish Model at the 2021 Latin Alternative Music Conference last month.

“This Year’s Model is about desire and how that relates to love, fashion and to the male gaze towards women and control, especially in political control over us all,” Costello said. “I don't think there's anything that somebody in another language would not have encountered. Some of the lyrics might be a little obscure because I use peculiar English idioms, but I constantly fall in love with records in other languages in which I don't even know one or two courtesy words. What you respond to is the humanity, the pride, the sorrow, the celebration.”

Ultimately, Spanish Model echoes the personal journey of celebrating influences and inspirations that Costello has embarked upon in countless creative ways over the years, whether taking him outside his comfort zone, expanding his musical repertoire or, as with this project, discovering something new altogether.

Elvis Costello & The Attractions (with Various Artists) — SPANISH MODEL [CD + LP]

CD/DIGITAL

All Songs With Elvis Costello & The Attractions

1. No Action – Nina Diaz

2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego

3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa

4. Pump It Up – Juanes

5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul

6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi

7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas

8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year's Girl) – Cami

9. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López

10. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy

11. Lipstick Vogue – Morat

12. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler

13. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra

14. Radio Radio – Fito Páez

15. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago

16. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) - Vega

LP

SIDE A

1. No Action – Nina Diaz

2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego

3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa

4. Pump It Up – Juanes

5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul

6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi

7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas

8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year's Girl) – Cami

SIDE B

1. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López

2. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy

3. Lipstick Vogue – Morat

4. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler

5. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra

6. Radio Radio – Fito Páez

7. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago

8. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) – Vega

Recorded and released in the wake of The Beatles’ April 1970 dissolution, George Harrison’s landmark solo album, All Things Must Pass, is a fully realized statement by a bold and audacious artist. Co-produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, the 23-track All Things Must Pass stands tall a half century later as an epic, ambitious expression of Harrison’s remarkable gift for sheer songcraft, powerful spirituality and a celebration of both his inimitable individuality and unique camaraderie with his fellow musicians.

One of Harrison’s most beloved songs, “Isn’t It A Pity,” which features twice on the original 1970 triple album with two uniquely different versions, is presented on the upcoming 50th anniversary edition of the album in three additional incarnations, which have never been released – the original studio demo and two outtakes. While the demo allows listeners to hear how fully developed the song was melodically in its earliest form, Take 27 provides an exciting insight into Harrison’s creative process and the different arrangements and instrumentation attempted in pursuit of the perfect take. Released today and accompanied by a surrealistic, painterly, animated video, directed by Alan Bibby and Jonny Kofoed of New Zealand-based creative house, Assembly, “Isn’t It A Pity (Take 27)” is more akin in spirit to Version 2 on the original album with a slightly slower tempo and a simple, but exquisite, arrangement.

WATCH/SHARE VIDEO FOR “ISN’T IT A PITY” (TAKE 27)

“Isn’t It A Pity” (Take 27) is one of 17 outtakes included alongside the two days worth of studio demos being released for the first time in honor of five decades of All Things Must Pass on the new 50th anniversary Super Deluxe Edition box set, due August 6 via Capitol/UMe.

Decades in the making and lovingly crafted by the Harrison family, All Things Must Pass has now been completely remixed from the original tapes for a stunning suite of 50th anniversary releases that fulfills Harrison’s longtime desire. Executive produced by Dhani Harrison and mixed by triple GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon), with the product produced by David Zonshine, the new mix transforms the album by sonically upgrading it - making it sound brighter, fuller and better than ever before. In their perfect 10/10 review Uncut wrote, “This new mix updates his finest work for today, in greater detail than ever before, while still managing to retain the atmosphere that binds these 106 minutes together.” Mojo’s equally perfect review raved, “The original mix’s misty distance has gone, replaced with a clarity and definition that Harrison and Spector didn’t achieve (or seek) the first time around. Previously, one had to, like Spector during the playbacks, turn it up very loud to get the full effect. Not anymore. These mixes come to you.”

All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Edition will be available in a variety of formats:

SUPER DELUXE EDITION

The Super Deluxe Edition box set, presented on 8LP (180g) or 5CD + 1 Blu-ray audio disc, explores the 1970 album sessions through 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes. The Blu-ray allows fans to experience the main album in high-res stereo, enveloping 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes. The collection contains a beautiful 60-page scrapbook curated by Olivia Harrison, with unseen imagery and memorabilia from the era, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, tape box images, a comprehensive track-by-track and more. It also includes a replica of the original album poster.

All Things Must Pass will be released in multiple physical and digital configurations, including as a 5LP or 3CD Deluxe Edition that pairs the main album with the sessions outtakes and jams. The main album will be available on its own as 2CD, 3LP or limited edition 3LP color vinyl. All versions are available for pre-order now.

UBER DELUXE EDITION

Exclusive to GeorgeHarrison.com, uDiscover, and Sound of Vinyl, All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Edition will be available as a very limited Uber Deluxe Edition box set, which includes the album on 8LP (180g) and 5CD + 1 Blu-ray audio disc housed in an artisan designed wooden crate (approx. 12.4” X 12.4” X 17.5”). The collection explores the 1970 album sessions through 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes, offering an inside look into the creative process. The Blu-ray allows fans to experience the main album in high-res stereo, enveloping 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes.

The crate contains two books, an elaborate and expanded 96-page scrapbook curated by Olivia Harrison, with unseen imagery and memorabilia from the era, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, tape box images, a comprehensive track-by-track and more; while a second 44-page book, curated by Harrison archivists Don Fleming and Richard Radford, chronicles the making of All Things Must Pass through extensive archival interviews with notes is also contained herein. The elegantly designed book pays homage to Harrison’s love of gardening and nature. The book also contains a wooden bookmark made from a felled Oak tree (Quercus Robur) in George’s Friar Park. This truly unique box will also contain 1/6 scale replica figurines of Harrison and the gnomes featured on the iconic album cover, a limited edition illustration by musician and artist Klaus Voormann, as well as a copy of Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Light from the Great Ones” and Rudraksha beads, contained in individual custom-made boxes.

"Since the 50th anniversary stereo mix release of the title track to my father’s legendary All Things Must Pass album in 2020, my dear pal Paul Hicks and I have continued to dig through mountains of tapes to restore and present the rest of this newly remixed and expanded edition of the album you now see and hear before you,” says Dhani Harrison. “Bringing greater sonic clarity to this record was always one of my father’s wishes and it was something we were working on together right up until he passed in 2001. Now, 20 years later, with the help of new technology and the extensive work of Paul Hicks we have realized this wish and present to you this very special 50th Anniversary release of perhaps his greatest work of art. Every wish will be fulfilled."

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the War and Peace of rock and roll” and “an intensely personal statement and a grandiose gesture,” All Things Must Pass was met by unanimous critical acclaim and spectacular commercial success, spending seven weeks at #1 on Billboard’s “Top LPs” chart and eight weeks atop the UK’s official albums chart (though chart records until 2006 mistakenly stated that it had peaked at #4). Currently certified 6x platinum by the RIAA, All Things Must Pass later received a 1972 GRAMMY® Award nomination for “Album of the Year,” while “My Sweet Lord” earned a GRAMMY® nod for “Record of the Year.” “What Is Life,” the album’s second single, also became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in the US and Canada as well as #1 in Australia and Switzerland.

All Things Must Pass has only grown in influence and stature in the half-century since its initial release, including induction in the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame and inclusion on The Times of London’s “The 100 Best Albums of All Time” and Rolling Stone’s 2020 listing of “The Top 500 Albums of All Time.” Pitchfork declared it to have “changed the terms of what an album could be.”

Five decades after it was released, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass is back on the charts, with the new 50th anniversary edition, released August 6 via Capitol/UMe, landing at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. The album’s additional charting achievements include No. 1 placements on the Top Rock Albums, Catalog Albums, and Tastemaker Albums charts and the No. 2 slots on the Top Albums Sales and the Vinyl Albums charts, just behind Billie Eilish on both. ­Upon release in 1970, Harrison’s first post Beatles solo album was met by unanimous critical acclaim and spectacular commercial success, spending seven consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and eight weeks atop the UK’s official albums chart. All Things Must Pass’ return to the Top 10 marks the first time since 1971.

The album has been incredibly well received around the world with impressive charting in several countries, including No. 6 on the Official UK Albums Chart, No. 2 in Germany, No. 3 in both Belgium and Switzerland, and #5 in the Netherlands.  

“UMe is honored to be entrusted by the Harrison Estate with celebrating such an important and influential album,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, All Things Must Pass has been reissued in an array of formats, from the lavish and incredibly limited edition Uber Deluxe to the expansive Super Deluxe Edition box set to a variety of CD and vinyl configurations, in addition to streaming and download configurations. Harrison’s masterwork has been completely remixed from the original tapes and expanded with 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes, allowing listeners to enjoy and explore the album and the legendary recording sessions like never before. Decades in the making and lovingly crafted by the Harrison family, the album was remixed to fulfill Harrison’s longtime desire. Executive produced by Dhani Harrison and mixed by triple GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon), with the product produced by David Zonshine, the new mix transforms the album by sonically upgrading it - making it sound brighter, fuller and better than ever.

To coincide with the release of the anniversary editions, the iconic cover of All Things Must Pass, depicting Harrison and his garden gnomes, has been recreated in larger-than-life fashion as a public, living art installation in London’s Duke Of York Square, King’s Road, Chelsea. The installation opened August 6th and will be available to visit until this Friday, August 20th. Designed by world renown floral artist Ruth Davis, of All For Love London, the beautiful, interactive installation features gigantic versions of two gnomes which have been created out of flowers and foliage. The oversized gnomes, the largest measuring five meters, sit atop a large circle of turf, and are surrounded by the seasonal, impermanent beauty George embraced during his life. In the center is a wooden stool and an exaggerated pair of rubber gardening boots, similar to the ones seen on the cover, inviting people to take a seat, put their feet in the boots and create their version of the classic album photo while enjoying the garden.

The gnome installation is detailed in a new video released today that includes Olivia and Dhani Harrison talking about the historic cover and what went into the making of the tribute. Watch here: https://GeorgeHarrison.lnk.to/GnomeDoc

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the War and Peace of rock and roll” and “an intensely personal statement and a grandiose gesture,” All Things Must Pass was met by unanimous critical acclaim and spectacular commercial success, spending seven weeks at #1 on Billboard’s “Top LPs” chart and eight weeks atop the UK’s official albums chart (though chart records until 2006 mistakenly stated that it had peaked at #4). Currently certified 6x platinum by the RIAA, All Things Must Pass later received a 1972 GRAMMY® Award nomination for “Album of the Year,” while “My Sweet Lord” earned a GRAMMY® nod for “Record of the Year.” “What Is Life,” the album’s second single, also became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in the US and Canada as well as #1 in Australia and Switzerland.

All Things Must Pass has only grown in influence and stature in the half-century since its initial release, including induction in the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame and inclusion on The Times of London’s “The 100 Best Albums of All Time” and Rolling Stone’s 2020 listing of “The Top 500 Albums of All Time.” Pitchfork declared it to have “changed the terms of what an album could be.”

For more information, configurations, and track listings, please visit GeorgeHarrison.com

50th ANNIVERSARY CREDITS
Executive Producer: Dhani Harrison
Product Producer: David Zonshine
2020 Re-Mixed & Produced in Stereo & Atmos by: Paul Hicks
Creative Director: Dhani Harrison
Book curated by: Olivia Harrison and Rachel Cooper
Art Direction: Darren Evans
Archive Research: Don Fleming, Richard Radford and Ryan Williams

"Look under your bed—it'll set you free."

With those enticingly enigmatic words, an empathetic, hip older sister bequeaths to her hyper-smart but nerdy 11-year-old brother her Rosetta Stone to life in the late-'60s: a prized trove of expertly curated rock, pop, and folk albums that set into chaotic motion young William Miller's eye- ear- and mind-opening journey in director Cameron Crowe's quasi-autobiographical 2000 ode to rock 'n' roll fandom, Almost Famous.

Two decades later, the Oscar/BAFTA/Golden Globe Award-winning film remains one of the sweetest love letters to the genre, one that deftly captured the look, the sound, the feel, the attitude of what rock 'n' roll meant to its creators, its most fervent adherents, its hangers-on and its worried parents during a golden era of pop music. The movie's legacy is celebrated with the first-ever release of all the music that so powerfully fueled Crowe's story, based on his own power chord-driven odyssey from wide-eyed music-loving kid to respected rock journalist to celebrated filmmaker.

UMe has compiled multiple iterations of the film's Grammy® Award-winning soundtrack, augmented comprehensively in the limited-edition Uber Box set that encompasses an expanded soundtrack with five CDs, seven 180-gram black vinyl discs, and a brand new 7-inch for Stillwater's "Fever Dog." The expanded soundtrack includes songs from The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Who, and Yes, plus all the songs created for the film's fictional aspiring rock group Stillwater, most written for the movie by Cameron Crowe, Heart's Nancy Wilson and Grammy Award-winning guitarist, Peter Frampton.  The Uber Box includes bonus items such as a 40-page photo book and memoir housed in a film-prop-replica of William Miller's high-school notebook complete with writings by Cameron Crowe, Nancy Wilson, along with cast and crew members; the first-ever complete William Miller cover story on Stillwater as a 1973 Rolling Stone newsprint; two replica ticket stubs from Stillwater's San Diego and Cleveland concerts; and a Stillwater tour poster. Exclusively available only in the Uber Boxset is a Stillwater Cleveland concert poster and a backstage poster; six film-prop-replica backstage passes (some seen throughout the film); three film-prop-replica business cards for Dick Roswell (Stillwater road manager), Lester Bangs (Creem magazine), and Ben Fong-Torres (Rolling Stone magazine); and three photo prints of cast members. Pre-order the ALMOST FAMOUS EXPANDED SOUNDTRACK now and listen to Stillwater's Bonus Track "Love Comes And Goes," HERE.

Among the 103 audio tracks are numerous clips of dialogue released for the first time: including the promise from William's sister Anita that "One day you'll be cool," and crackling exchanges between William and vaunted Creem magazine rock critic Lester Bangs, the real-life mentor who offered early encouragement to then-teenaged rock fan Crowe to pursue his desire to write about the music he loved.

The box set points out how exceptional the Almost Famous soundtrack was and remains. Crowe arranged for a dedicated remix & edit of the Who's "Amazing Journey/Sparks" instrumental from their rock opera "Tommy" and live album "Live at Leeds." For another scene, Crowe had grabbed a bootleg live recording out of his stash for Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer" from a 1999 show, which Young recently unearthed from his extensive archive and newly mixed from the original multi-track analog tape for this release. The set is also highlighted with the inclusion of Elton John's iconic "Tiny Dancer," newly mixed with the cast members singing alongside the song as featured in the film.

Crowe found supremely qualified collaborators by drafting Wilson to compose the score and to team with Frampton to help write credible rock songs for Stillwater. For the new release of the soundtrack music, all of Wilson's brilliant score music is included, along with 14 score outtakes that didn't make the final film.

Along with the thirteen-disc Uber Deluxe box, Universal is issuing two six-LP editions—one on black vinyl, the other with colored vinyl discs; a five-CD Super Deluxe set including 102 tracks, 36 of them previously unreleased songs; a separate 12-inch vinyl EP with all 6 of Stillwater's songs; a Record Store Day exclusive with the 7 original demos of the Stillwater songs, five performed by Wilson the other two by Frampton; a two-LP vinyl version of the original soundtrack album; a two-CD Deluxe Edition of the original soundtrack.

"We are extremely proud to revisit ALMOST FAMOUS with a very special bounty of goodness," said Cameron Crowe. "For the first time, we've created a Deluxe Soundtrack that features nearly every song from the film, along with Nancy Wilson's wonderfully evocative score. We're also thrilled to finally preserve both versions of the film, along with a collection of rare new bonus features, on these beautiful new 4K and Blu-ray releases as part of Paramount Presents.  Long live physical media!"

To complement the expanded soundtrack, Paramount Home Entertainment will release the film for the first time on 4K Ultra HD, in a limited-edition Steelbook, as well as in a new limited-edition Blu-ray in the Paramount Presents line on July 13, 2021. Meticulously remastered from a new 4K film transfer under the supervision of Cameron Crowe, ALMOST FAMOUS is presented in stunning 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision® and HDR-10 for ultra-vivid picture quality.**  The limited-edition 4K Ultra HD Steelbook includes both the original theatrical cut (plus access to a digital copy) and the beloved Bootleg cut (aka "Untitled"), along with new bonus content offering a backstage pass into the creative process through a new interview with Crowe, extended scenes, rock-school sessions, a look at the casting and costumes, and more.  ALMOST FAMOUS will also be available in a limited-edition Blu-ray Disc™ in the Paramount Presents line.  With collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film's theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments, the release includes the remastered versions of the theatrical cut for the first time on Blu-ray (plus access to a digital copy) and the Bootleg cut, along with bonus content. The film has become a touchstone not just for music lovers who came of age in the swaggering early 1970s rock era that Almost Famous celebrates, but subsequent generations of music fans who connect with its timeless portrait of how music can offer solace, insight, and joyous release from whatever challenges life throws. Pre-order the Almost Famous film HERE.

Throughout this rock 'n' roll juggernaut,  William Miller, Stillwater, and the film's other players soak in the music of the day, all curated by Crowe using his knowledge of and connections to many of the biggest and most influential rock acts of the era. This manifests onscreen perhaps most memorably in the full-band bus singalong with Elton John and Bernie Taupin's "Tiny Dancer," the duo's tribute to their own groupies—or as William is quickly corrected by Stillwater's female fans when he uses the term, "We’re Band-Aids!”—emphasizing the distinction between those who crassly latch on to rock stars simply for their celebrity versus those who try to get closer because of their love for the music.

“In the late sixties, adventuresome and modern directors like Mike Nichols began moving away from traditional orchestral score in their movies,” Crowe writes in an essay accompanying the new project. “The Graduate, with its deft and emotional use of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Sounds of Silence,’ changed the landscape.”

It surely did in Almost Famous: Led Zeppelin approved the use of five songs for the film—unprecedented at the time. When Crowe showed the film to Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page during his pitch to persuade them to grant use of the songs he wanted, Plant raised a question: “Was your mother really like that?” after taking in Frances McDormand’s endearingly taut performance as William’s over-anxious, over-protective college professor mom, Elaine. Cameron told him, “That and more.”

The original release of the film’s soundtrack included only Zeppelin’s “That’s the Way,” while the new set adds in “Misty Mountain Hop,” “The Rain Song,” “Bron-Yr-Aur” and “Tangerine,” the latter employed so effectively during the film’s finale as Stillwater’s tour bus trundles off into the sunset.

Actor Jason Lee, whose performance as Stillwater vocalist Jeff Bebe nailed a combination of bravado and underlying insecurity, says, “Every time I watch the movie…every time the bus is pulling away as Led Zeppelin’s ‘Tangerine’ plays at the end…it kind of crushes me a little bit. That song is a … killer. And with the dust kicking up as the bus is driving away…that moment for me, watching it as an audience member? Perfect. Watching it as a cast member and an audience member? It’s bittersweet.”

As Crowe puts it about finding the right music for each scene in a film, “Something magical happened when the actor and the scene and the music worked together. Often it’s a shotgun marriage, but every once in a while, everything clicks. That’s when a movie can sear your soul.”

He had experienced that power while directing his debut film, Say Anything…, and again in his 1992 romantic comedy Singles as well as in 1996’s Jerry Maguire. “By the time we got to the next one,” he said of approaching Almost Famous, “I was ready to put the music at the center of the movie.”

For any Almost Famous fan, this is the ultimate collection, a vibrant, reverberating reminder of the ways rock ‘n’ roll can break your heart and bust your chops--but also the music’s power to set you free.

Tracklists for all soundtrack formats can be found HERE

View full details of Paramount Home Entertainment’s Almost Famous limited-edition films, click HERE

The song that came to be known as “Radio Radio” began life in 1975 as “Radio Soul,” written in shameless imitation of Bruce Springsteen’s romantic references to American radio by the 20-year old D.P. MacManus.

The BBC radio of the songwriter’s youth was both magical and mundane. His father sang the hits of the day on live radio broadcasts with a dance band but the recorded music output of “The Light Programme” was limited by a quota called “Needle Time.” The music scene was only illuminated by faint signals beamed in from Radio Luxembourg and shipboard, pirate radio stations.

When Elvis Costello re-recorded his song as “Radio Radio” in 1978, it caught the frustration and disappointment of a listener playing waiting games for one precious airing of a favorite song among the deadening uniformity of daily radio.

When Elvis Costello and the Attractions toured America for the first time in November 1977, the unreleased song was already part of their repertoire. The magnitude of their task in breaking into largely indifferent and equally uniform FM (or even AM) radio became more and more apparent leading Costello to substitute the unknown song in place of the scheduled title, live on-air during their U.S. television debut on “Saturday Night Live.”

It would have been an utter absurdity for Costello and producer Sebastian Krys to ask anyone to re-fight this ancient battle for their Spanish Model album but they were nevertheless startled and delighted when Fito Páez delivered a complete lyrical re-write of “Radio Radio.”

Costello tells us, “I was standing in Disneyland when the first mix arrived on my phone. I held the speaker to my ear. I heard Fito sing my name and the word ‘whiskey’ and I knew he had taken a leap into the dark (or perhaps into the light) and that he was telling his own story.”

“We live in a world to which Joni Mitchell alluded when she wrote the line about ‘none of the crazy you get from too much choice.’ Every device and each circuit is speaking to us, if not yelling at us. It isn’t always easy to hold on to what you love and value but Fito knows how to do that.”

Recording his vocal over the original Attractions instrumental parts Fito Páez sings with unique humor and passion about how he intends to tune out some of that static and nonsense by tuning in “Radio Radio,” the very song he is singing.

Argentine musician Carlos Vandera assisted with the adaptation. Spanish Model will be released September 10 via UMe.

Costello added, “What Fito has given our album is like a great episode of ‘The Twilight Zone’ and almost incidentally an explanation of the very process of making this new album, Spanish Model. I wanted accompanying illustrated and animated clips to complement Fito’s imaginative and funny re-interpretation.”

The musical short film by “Eamon Singer” and Arlo McFurlow imagines Fito discovering This Year’s Model in a San Telmo record store, hailing a cab and flying to London where he brushes pass a welcoming committee including the Queen of England, as he hails another cab to a King’s Road record shop where he discovers a copy of Spanish Model in the racks with his face on the cover.

There is nothing else that he can do than spin the radio dial and pour a relaxing potion.

Ahead of the video’s premiere on YouTube, Costello and Páez discussed the song and album in a compelling nearly half hour chat that delved into how the longtime friends and mutual artistic admirers first met, Costello’s idea and interest in recreating this album for the Spanish-speaking world, Páez’s novel approach to the song, their similar experiences with radio in their respective countries of England and Argentina, and much more. The conversation and video are available to watch here: https://elviscostello.lnk.to/RadioVideoPR

“When we discovered that the actual music on the tape was as vivid and as strong, when you took my voice away, that the band had tremendous force, had tremendous power and cohesion, it was really like a canvas prepared for a new picture,” Costello said in the chat. “Each one of the singers has come in, particularly the young women who have turned the perspective of the song on its head, that has been a transformation that has been very, very exciting to hear. Your interpretation, I didn’t want to ask you to fight a battle that we fought 43 years ago about how radio felt because radio was the only way to communicate. Radio and records, these two things had to live together.”

“Now we have a million different ways to communicate and a million ways to become confused, this is what I feel is what you said in your interpretation. I laughed so much when I heard it, when I heard you singing my name I thought wait a minute, I couldn’t follow it at the speed it was going, he just sang my name and that’s not in the lyrics and neither is whiskey. Sebastian gave me a translation back into English and I understood the humour and I thought this is perfectly pitched for the moment today that we live in a time that things are either greatly over complicated or they are so swiftly dismissed without proper consideration, either thing is a mistake, and you just have such a good humour about the way you say it and it makes our track sound like a crazier kind of energy, which I just loved.”

“Elvis is a titan of the arts, and we receive every artistic gesture as a gift, many great writers are adapted and translated into different languages, like Shakespeare and Borges, why not take a contemporary artist like Elvis and have this be part of his story?,” Páez said. “I lived a very similar experience with radio and the way we got music down there (Rosario, Argentina) so it was destined to happen, that I had to tell this story as well.” He went on to say about his adaptation, “In this case you had to say something that was relevant. I’m so proud of this version, it was one of the most important things I’ve done in my life.”

Sebastian Krys, the Argentine-born, Latin GRAMMY Producer of the Year and Costello’s musical co-conspirator on Spanish Model, moderated the conversation and served as translator for Costello and Páez. He reflected on hearing Páez’s interpretation for the first time: “For me, I remember when Fito sent the song, I couldn’t believe it because it all of a sudden, in a lot of ways, explained the album. That was the song that I was like OK if somebody doesn’t understand what this album is about just listen to this song and this will explain to you what this is all about. It was just a really great moment for me when I heard his version because it really crystalized the idea.”

Spanish Model exudes the same kind of energy and spirit as the original but with a Latin twist. With 19 featured artists representing 10 countries and territories across the Spanish-speaking world including:  Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, plus several from the United States. The album is truly a global, collaborative affair. Costello’s spiky guitars collide with band mates Steve Nieve’s carnival-esque keys and the urgent, propulsive rhythms of bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas, as The Attractions virtually back a host of Latin music legends, contemporary stars and burgeoning artists for a set of thrilling Spanish-language performances imbued with each artist’s singular identity and style.

Spanish Model features such artists as: Cami, Draco Rosa, Fito Páez, Francisca Valenzuela & Luis Humberto Navejas (lead singer of Enjambre), Gian Marco & Nicole Zignago, Jesse & Joy, Jorge Drexler, Juanes, La Marisoul, Luis Fonsi, Morat, Nina Diaz, Pablo López, Raquel Sofía & Fuego, Sebastián Yatra, and Vega. They sing these timeless and universal songs, which have been expertly translated and adapted into Spanish to retain their meaning, energy, attitude, and wit. The concept represents what may be a first: an artist replacing their vocals with newly recorded performances by other artists singing in another language, backed by the original music.

This Year’s Model, which has been newly remastered, will also be released concurrently on CD and 180-gram black vinyl with the addition of “Big Tears” and “Radio Radio.” A limited edition version, that pairs both Spanish Model and the new pressing of This Year’s Model together as a 180-gram double LP, will be released exclusively via ElvisCostello.com, uDiscover and Sound Of Vinyl webstores.

Elvis Costello & The Attractions (with Various Artists) — SPANISH MODEL [CD + LP]

CD/DIGITAL

All Songs With Elvis Costello & The Attractions

1. No Action – Nina Diaz

2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego

3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa

4. Pump It Up – Juanes

5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul

6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi

7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas

8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year's Girl) – Cami

9. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López

10. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy

11. Lipstick Vogue – Morat

12. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler

13. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra

14. Radio Radio – Fito Páez

15. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago

16. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) - Vega

LP

SIDE A

1. No Action – Nina Diaz

2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego

3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa

4. Pump It Up – Juanes

5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul

6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi

7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas

8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year's Girl) – Cami

SIDE B

1. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López

2. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy

3. Lipstick Vogue – Morat

4. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler

5. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra

6. Radio Radio – Fito Páez

7. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago

8. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) – Vega

The Beach Boys new box set, Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971, is out now via Capitol/UMe, in honor of 50 years of the band’s timeless and often underappreciated albums, Sunflower and Surf’s Up. The expansive 5CD box set chronicles and explores in depth this metamorphic and highly influential 1969-1971 period of the band’s legendary career. Assembled by Mark Linett and Alan Boyd, the team behind 2013’s GRAMMY® Award-winning SMiLE Sessions, the comprehensive collection features newly remastered versions of Sunflower and Surf’s Up and boasts 135 tracks, including 108 previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the album sessions.

Housed in a book style package, the set is rounded out with a 48-page book loaded with unreleased and rare photos, lyric sheets, tape box images, recording artifacts, insightful new liner notes by noted radio veteran and Beach Boys aficionado Howie Edelson, and new and archival interviews from Al Jardine, Brian Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, and others. Feel Flows is also available in abbreviated versions including 4LP on both black vinyl and limited edition Translucent Blue and Translucent Gold color vinyl, 2LP black vinyl and 2CD editions.

Stream/order Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971

Ahead of the release of Feel Flows, two video featurettes have been released featuring rare and unreleased photos and video of the band, including performance clips, studio footage, and archival interviews. The first two episodes provide a rare peek into the making of the records. The final installment of the series will be released next week. Watch the first two episodes here: https://TheBeachBoys.lnk.to/FeelFlowsFeaturettes

Feel Flows is receiving rave reviews across the US and UK with Uncut featuring it as their Reissue of the Month and awarding it a 9/10 review that states “Feel Flows is emphatic proof that The Beach Boys never stopped making sublime, artful, spiritually invested music,” adding “Sunflower and Surf’s Up represent their second great peak.” Mojo declared in their 4/5 review that “Feel Flows is full of little revelations, glimpses of The Beach Boys’ haphazardly evolving, still magical process in the early ’70s,” while Goldmine’s current cover feature details the making of the collection and includes a perfect 5-star review that exclaims “Sunflower and Surf’s Up are rightly regarded as among The Beach Boys’ best efforts, and the bonus tracks enrich the experience.” Ultimate Classic Rock simply proclaims “Feel Flows soundly confirms their standing as one of the era's all-time greats,” while American Songwriter remarks in their 4-star review, “In any version, these sonically refreshed songs are well worth hearing, or reacquainting yourself with, and are an integral chapter in the Beach Boys’ long, influential history.”

FEEL FLOWS – THE SUNFLOWER AND SURF’S UP SESSIONS 1969-1971

DISC 1

SUNFLOWER - ORIGINAL ALBUM

1. Slip On Through (2019 master) (2:19)

2. This Whole World (2019 master) (1:58)

3. Add Some Music To Your Day (2019 master) (3:36)

4. Got To Know The Woman (2019 master) (2:43)

5. Deirdre (2019 master) (3:30)

6. It’s About Time (2019 master) (2:57)

7. Tears In The Morning (2019 master) (4:07)

8. All I Wanna Do (2019 master) (2:36)

9. Forever (2019 master) (2:42)

10. Our Sweet Love (2019 master) (2:41)

11. At My Window (2019 master) (2:32)

12. Cool, Cool Water (2019 master) (5:03)

13. Sunflower Promo 1 (previously unreleased) (0:59)

SUNFLOWER - LIVE

Previously Unreleased – Produced by The Beach Boys

14. This Whole World (Live 1988) (2:10)

15. Add Some Music To Your Day (Live 1993) (3:23)

16. Susie Cincinnati (Live 1976) (2:46)

17. Back Home (Live 1976) (3:15)

18. It’s About Time (Live 1971) (3:45)

19. Riot In Cell Block 9 (Live 1970) (3:34)

SUNFLOWER - BONUS TRACKS

20. Break Away (original 1969 single mix) (2:55)

21. Celebrate The News (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (2:37)

22. Loop De Loop (previously unreleased 1969 mix) (2:59)

23. San Miguel (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (2:33)

24. Susie Cincinnati (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (3:02)

25. Good Time (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:56)

26. Two Can Play (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:06)

27. Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) (2021 stereo mix – previously unreleased) (3:21)

DISC TWO

SURF’S UP - ORIGINAL ALBUM

1. Don’t Go Near The Water (2019 master) (2:41)

2. Long Promised Road (2019 master) (3:32)

3. Take A Load Off Your Feet (2019 master) (2:32)

4. Disney Girls (1957) (2019 master) (4:08)

5. Student Demonstration Time (2019 master) (3:59)

6. Feel Flows (2019 master) (4:44)

7. Lookin’ At Tomorrow (A Welfare Song) (2019 master) (1:57)

8. A Day In The Life Of A Tree (2019 master) (3:09)

9. Til I Die (2019 master) (2:32)

10. Surf’s Up (2019 master) (4:14)

11. Surf’s Up Promo (previously unreleased) (1:02)

SURF’S UP - LIVE

Previously Unreleased

12. Take A Load Off Your Feet (Live 1993) (2:35)

13. Long Promised Road (Live 1972) (4:14)

14. Disney Girls (Live 1982) (4:23)

15. Surf’s Up (Live 1973) (4:58)

16. Student Demonstration Time (Live 1971) (4:42)

SURF'S UP - BONUS TRACKS

Previously unreleased (unless otherwise noted)

17. Big Sur (previously unreleased) (2:35)

18. H.E.L.P. Is On The Way (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:31)

19. Sweet And Bitter (previously unreleased) (2:33)

20. My Solution (previously unreleased) (3:44)

21. 4th of July (2019 mix – previously unreleased) (3:11)

22. Sound of Free (1970 single mix, 2019 master) (2:22)

23. Lady (Fallin’ In Love) (1970 stereo mix – previously unreleased) (2:21)

24. Seasons In The Sun (previously unreleased) (3:27)

DISC THREE

SUNFLOWER SESSIONS

Previously unreleased

1. Sunflower Promo 2 (previously unreleased) (0:59)

2. Slip On Through (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:47)

3. This Whole World (long version track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:10)

4. Add Some Music To Your Day (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased) (4:35)

5. Deirdre (track – previously unreleased) (3:34)

6. It’s About Time (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:53)

7. Tears In The Morning (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (4:08)

8. All I Wanna Do (session intro, track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:46)

9. Forever (session highlights – previously unreleased) (3:36)

10. Forever (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:01)

11. Our Sweet Love (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:39)

12. At My Window (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:50)

13. Cool Cool Water (alternate 2019 mix – previously unreleased) (6:24)

14. San Miguel (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:57)

15. Loop De Loop (track – previously unreleased) (2:49)

16. Good Time (session intro, track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (4:27)

17. When Girls Get Together (track – previously unreleased) (1:47)

18. Slip On Through (alternate 1969 mix with session intro – previously unreleased) (3:25)

19. Our Sweet Love (string section – previously unreleased) (1:00)

1969-1970 A CAPPELLA

Previously unreleased

20. San Miguel (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (1:00)

21. Break Away (Tag) (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:18)

22. Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (2:44)

23. Good Time (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:19)

24. This Whole World (backing vocals section – previously unreleased) (1:05)

25. Add Some Music To Your Day (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (3:30)

26. Got To Know The Woman (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (2:52)

27. It’s About Time (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:50)

28. All I Wanna Do (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (2:58)

29. Forever (previously unreleased 2019 a Cappella mix) (2:52)

DISC FOUR

SURF’S UP SESSIONS

Previously unreleased

1. Don’t Go Near The Water (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:45)

2. Long Promised Road (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:38)

3. Take A Load Off Your Feet (alternate vocal – previously unreleased) (2:28)

4. Disney Girls (1957) (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (4:17)

5. Student Demonstration Time (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:46)

6. Feel Flows (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (5:02)

7. Lookin’ At Tomorrow (A Welfare Song) (session intro and alternate mix – previously unreleased) (2:43)

8. A Day In The Life Of A Tree (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (2:55)

9. Til I Die (long version with alternate lyrics – previously unreleased) (4:47)

(Brian Wilson)

10. Surf’s Up (2019 mix – previously unreleased) (4:08)

(Brian Wilson-Van Dyke Parks)

11. (Wouldn’t It Be Nice To) Live Again (extended 2019 – previously unreleased) (6:50)

(Dennis Wilson-Stanley Shapiro)

SURF'S UP - A CAPPELLA

Previously unreleased

12. Don’t Go Near The Water (previously unreleased 2020 a Cappella mix) (2:36)

(Alan Jardine-Mike Love)

13. Long Promised Road (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (4:00)

14. Feel Flows (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:33)

15. Disney Girls (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:36)

16. A Day In The Life Of A Tree (backing vocals excerpt – previously unreleased) (0:32)

17. Til I Die (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (2:36)

18. Surf’s Up (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (4:04)

Bonus Tracks

Previously unreleased

19. I Just Got My Pay (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:43)

20. Walkin’ (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:44)

21. When Girls Get Together (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (3:45)

22. Baby Baby (previously unreleased) (3:13)

23. Awake (previously unreleased) (3:44)

24. It’s A New Day (previously unreleased) (2:20)

DISC FIVE

Bonus Disc

Previously unreleased

1. This Whole World (alternate ending – previously unreleased) (1:41)

2. Add Some Music To Your Day (previously unreleased alternate version) (3:27)

3. Don’t Go Near The Water (alternate version – previously unreleased) (2:42)

4. Surf’s Up Part 1 (1971 remake track with 1966 Brian vocal – previously unreleased) (1:41)

5. Soulful Old Man Sunshine (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (3:14)

(Brian Wilson-Rick Henn-Don Ralke)

6. I’m Goin’ Your Way (previously unreleased alternate mix) (2:24)

(Dennis Wilson)

7. Where Is She (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:22)

(Brian Wilson)

8. Carnival (Over The Waves/Sobra Las Olas) (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (1:34)

9. It’s Natural (previously unreleased) (2:35)

10. Medley: All Of My Love / Ecology (previously unreleased) (5:05)

11. Before (previously unreleased) (2:25)

12. Behold The Night (previously unreleased) (2:26)

13. Old Movie (Cuddle Up) (previously unreleased) (3:37)

14. Hawaiian Dream (previously unreleased) (4:33)

15. Settle Down / Sound Of Free (basic session outtake – previously unreleased) (2:17)

16. I’ve Got A Friend (previously unreleased) (2:26)

17. Til I Die (piano demo – previously unreleased) (1:55)

18. Back Home (previously unreleased demo) (2:20)

19. Back Home (alternate version – previously unreleased) (2:34)

20. Won’t You Tell Me (demo – previously unreleased) (2:01)

21. Won’t You Tell Me (previously unreleased 2019 mix) (2:54)

22. Barbara (previously unreleased 2020 mix) (2:59)

23. Slip On Through (early version track) (2:48)

24. Susie Cincinnati (basic session highlights – previously unreleased) (3:05)

25. My Solution (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:04)

26. You Never Give Me Your Money (previously unreleased) (0:40)

27. Medley: Happy Birthday, Brian / God Only Knows (previously unreleased) (2:47)

28. You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone (track & backing vocals – previously unreleased) (3:32)

29. Marcella (a Cappella – previously unreleased) (3:27)

Since it was released on September 9, 1971, on the iconic eponymous album, “Imagine,” John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s paean for peace has become one of the most famous and beloved songs in the history of music – an indelible melody known the world over, a sentiment shared no matter the language spoken.

Yoko Ono Lennon says: “John and I were both artists and we were living together, so we inspired each other. The song ‘Imagine’ embodied what we believed together at the time. John and I met – he comes from the West and I come from the East – and still we are together. We have this oneness and ‘the whole world would eventually become one’ is the sense that we will all be very happy together. All these instructions are for people for how to spend eternity, because we have lots of time.”

Over the last five decades “Imagine” has endured as a timeless global anthem, a collective prayer uniting the world through song and imagination; providing comfort in troubling times and unity, hope and happiness in others. This was especially evident in the dazzling opening ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics where the song was re-imagined by renowned orchestral composer Hans Zimmer for a global audience in the hundreds of millions, initiating the celebrations for both the Olympics and Imagine’s 2021 Golden Anniversary.

On September 9, 2021, Yoko & Sean Ono Lennon, The Estate of John Lennon and Universal Music Group invite you to “join us” with a Global Party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Imagine” – the song, the album and the film.

“IMAGINE” FILM – WATCH PARTY

One of the first full-length conceptual music films, John & Yoko's “Imagine” (1971) contains all the songs from John’s Imagine album, four songs from Yoko's FLY album plus a few additional pieces. In 2018, under the supervision of Yoko Ono Lennon, the film was completely reassembled in HD from the original 16mm negative reels and cleaned and digitally restored frame-by-frame with the audio completely remixed in 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos by triple GRAMMY®-award winning engineer and mixer, Paul Hicks.

At 11:30 am PDT/2:30 pm EDT/7:30 pm BST, fans around the world are invited to watch the “Imagine” film together, either online or in person at participating venues as Yoko Ono Lennon, Mercury Studios and partners including The Coda Collection, Hard Rock and Music Venue Trust make the film available to view for free.

Meanwhile Tim Burgess’ wildly popular Tim’s Twitter Listening Party will be hosting a simultaneous online Listening Party event, where the experience of watching and listening to the music of the “Imagine” film will be enhanced by a second-screen Twitter experience - with quotes, photos and multimedia, led by Yoko Ono Lennon, the John Lennon Estate and many of the musicians, filmmakers and friends involved in the making of the album and film, as well as fans joining in using the hashtags #timstwitterlisteningparty and #IMAGINE50.

Confirmed participants for the Event are: Yoko Ono Lennon, The Estates of John Lennon, guitarist George Harrison and keyboard player Nicky Hopkins, plus Sean Ono Lennon, bassist Klaus Voormann, drummer Alan White, cameraman Nic Knowland, factotum Dan Richter and MC Tim Burgess, with more to be announced soon.

For more info, visit Tim’s Twitter Listening Party and look out for updates on the @johnlennon and @yokoono Twitter feeds.

The event is a fitting sequel to the Listening Party held for the John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band - The Ultimate Collection box set launch earlier this year. Check out the replay here.

HOW TO WATCH THE FILM ONLINE

The Coda Collection, a unique streaming platform that delivers the most iconic music documentaries, concert films, and more, is proud to stream the “Imagine” film in the U.S. and the U.K. to empower even broader audiences to take part in this global special event. The Coda Collection is available exclusively via Amazon Prime Video Channels.

Audiences in the U.S. will be able to stream the “Imagine” film on The Coda Collection channel during and after the event with a free 7-day trial.

Audiences in the U.K. can stream the film on Amazon Prime at no additional charge during the event. Tweets from the Twitter Listening Party will also be available for anyone to follow live on a bespoke page at the Coda Collection website. To explore The Coda Collection, including other John Lennon & Yoko Ono films, visit codacollection.co

The film will also be available to view online in the USA for AXS subscribers (see below) and in the UK for Sky subscribers on NOWTV and the SkyGo App, and to rent or purchase globally from Apple TV, iTunes or Amazon Prime; or on Blu-Ray or DVD. To discover the best way to watch the film in your country, click here.

HOW TO WATCH THE FILM IN PERSON

In the UK, Sage Gateshead is excited to welcome people back to its phenomenal Sage One venue with a free Surround Sound screening of the film, timed to sync with the interactive Listening Party.

Additionally, Grassroots Music Venues all over the UK will be screening the film for free, in collaboration with Music Venue Trust. Check your local music venue for details and look for the hashtag #IMAGINE50 on Twitter.

Hard Rock is also getting in on the celebration and will show the “Imagine” film throughout the day in select Hard Rock Cafés in North America and Europe. Many of the Hard Rock Hotels in the U.S. and Mexico will be offering the film for guests to watch for free in their rooms. Check with your local Hard Rock Café or Hotel for participation and viewing times.

You can also host a screening at home and invite your friends and neighbors round.

REPLAYS

For those who want to join in with the Party, but need to watch the film later in the day, all the tweets from the Listening Party will be collated and made available to replay at this link on the Tim's Twitter Listening Party website soon after the event finish time, so you can watch the film and enjoy the party replay at your leisure.

Today, September 9th, marks the 50th anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s classic song “Imagine,” and the album of the same name.

First released in 1971, the iconic track has become one of the most recognized and popular global anthems for peace and has been covered by more than 200 other artists including Neil Young, Madonna, Elton John and Lady Gaga. Most recently it was re-imagined by Hans Zimmer in the dazzling opening ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, watched by an audience of hundreds of millions.

In celebration of the song’s power and resonance on this 50th anniversary, the most poignant and well-known lyric from the track has been projected on to equally iconic buildings and sites around the world.

“IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING LIFE IN PEACE” has appeared as a digital projection on the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral in London and on the Liver Building and the Museum of Liverpool in John’s home city.

It has also appeared on the Berlin Wall and on digital billboards in Times Square in New York and near the historic Nihonbashi bridge in Tokyo.

These projections echo a similar billboard campaign Yoko undertook 20 years ago when exactly the same wording was used in prominent sites around the world.

Yoko Ono Lennon said today; “John would have loved this. ‘Imagine’ embodied what we believed together at the time. We are still together now and we still believe this. The sentiment is just as important now as when it was written and released 50 years ago.”

Today, Yoko Ono Lennon, Sean Ono Lennon, Mercury Studios, Tim’s Twitter Listening Party, The Coda Collection, AXS TV, WDR/ARD, Hard Rock, Sage Gateshead, Music Venue Trust and Universal Music Group invite you to join us for a Global Party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of John & Yoko’s Imagine – the song, the album, the film.

“John and I were both artists and we were living together, so we inspired each other. The song ‘Imagine’ embodied what we believed together at the time. John and I met – he comes from the West and I come from the East – and still we are together. We have this oneness and ‘the whole world would eventually become one’ is the sense that we will all be very happy together. All these instructions are for people for how to spend eternity, because we have lots of time.”

– Yoko Ono Lennon

Island Records and UMe announce the 40th-anniversary vinyl release of “Gloria,” a limited-edition 12” yellow vinyl EP to celebrate RSD Black Friday on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Originally released as a single in October 1981, “Gloria” is the second single to be taken from U2’s second studio album October and has been a staple in U2’s live set to this day. This very special anniversary release includes the studio version of “Gloria” plus three live versions from three different decades.

The 1990s are represented by the Point Depot show on the band’s home turf of northside Dublin.  Although ticketed as  December 31, 1989, the show started at midnight on January 1, 1990, with a live radio simulcast broadcast across Europe.

Side B contains two previously unreleased live recordings of “Gloria” – recorded at the Fleet Center in Boston during the 2005’s Vertigo Tour, and at London’s O2 Arena during the third night of their run of shows in the English capital as part of the iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour in 2015.

12” INFO

    4-track 12” EP, cut at 45 rpm.
    Pressed on 180g transparent sun yellow vinyl.
    Full-color gatefold outer sleeve with a high gloss finish, featuring portraits of the band.
    Large poster (600mm x 600mm, folded) with a montage of photos from the various live shows across the decades.

TRACKLIST

Side A

1.  Gloria (Studio Version)
2.  Gloria (Live From The LoveTown Tour, The Point Depot, Dublin, December 31, 1989) – currently unavailable

Side B

1.  Gloria (Live From The Vertigo Tour, Boston, May 26, 2005) – previously unreleased
2.  Gloria (Live From The iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour, London, October 29, 2015) – previously unreleased

Gloria is available exclusively at participating independent record stores on Friday, November 26. For a full list of stores, visit https://recordstoreday.lnk.to/Stores

Legendary Singer-Songwriter, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and celebrated humanitarian Yusuf / Cat Stevens has teamed up with Playing For Change, the multimedia company responsible for the popular “Songs Around The World” video series garnering more than one billion total online views, to produce “Peace Train'' around the world with more than 25 musicians from 12 countries. Featured musicians include five-time GRAMMY Award-winning blues/americana artist Keb’ Mo’, GRAMMY nominated Senegalese artist Baaba Maal, and Silkroad’s Rhiannon Giddens, also a GRAMMY award winner. The video was released today in honor of the International Day of Peace on September 21st and is available on Playing For Change’s YouTube Channel.

“Peace Train” – Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ timeless anthem of hope and unity – was originally released on the classic album Teaser and the Firecat in 1971 and was Stevens’ first US Top 10 hit, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Song Around The World version unites Yusuf / Cat Stevens, singing and playing a beautiful white piano in a tranquil open air setting in Istanbul, Turkey, with musicians such as Ghassan Birumi playing the oud in Ramallah, Palestine; musicians from the Silkroad Ensemble in Rhinebeck, New York; Pat Simmons (The Doobie Brothers) and James “Hutch” Hutchinson (bass player with Bonnie Raitt) performing in Maui, Hawaii; and bringing together conflict regions with Tushar Lall playing the harmonium in Delhi, India; and Joshua Amjad playing the Kartaal in Karachi, Pakistan.

“We are privileged to be able to create a glimpse of unity through music. However, if you want to make the Peace Train real, then you need two tracks: one track has to be Justice, and the other must be Well-being. Everybody should have access to these two things, then the Peace Train can really get going.” Yusuf / Cat Stevens

“We’re extremely honored to collaborate with Yusuf / Cat Stevens to create a global 'Peace Train' with musicians from around the world. This song’s powerful message is as relevant today as the day it was written and as we celebrate the International Day of Peace, we hope that everyone will join us as we stand up for a more equitable and compassionate world,” says Mark Johnson, Playing For Change Co-Founder.

FULL SONG CREDITS:
Adrian Buono (Argentina), Avadhoot Phadke (India), Baaba Maal (Senegal), Colin Jacobsen Silkroad (USA), Eric Appapoulay (UK), Eric Jacobsen - Silkroad (USA), Ghassan Birumi (Palestine), James “Hutch” Hutchinson (Hawaii), Joshua Amjad (Pakistan), Karen Ouzounian Silkroad (USA), Keb’ Mo’ (USA), Kwame Yeboah (Ghana), Olodum (Brazil), Pat Simmons (Hawaii), Playing For Change Foundation (Mali and Argentina), Rahat Inayat Ali (Pakistan), Rhiannon Giddens (Ireland), Roots Gospel Voices of Mississippi (USA), Tushar Lall (India), William Barton (Australia), Yusuf/Cat Stevens (Turkey)

About Playing For Change
Playing For Change (PFC) is a Certified B Corp (Social Purpose Corporation) and multimedia company created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. PFC spreads their positive message for humanity to millions of people through inspiring multicultural music videos, a live global touring band and a 501c3 foundation supporting music education around the world. Learn more at http://www.playingforchange.com/

About Yusuf / Cat Stevens
Yusuf / Cat Stevens is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time with inductions into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is known worldwide for his many hits including “Peace Train,” “Wild World,” and “Father and Son”. He has sold over 60 million records and has over 2 billion streams. In the late 1970s he embraced Islam, left the music industry and dedicated himself to philanthropy and education. His charity work has seen him receive numerous prestigious international awards including the World Award for "humanitarian relief work helping children and victims of war” and the Man of Peace Award, voted for by The Nobel Peace Laureates. In 2006 he returned to mainstream music where he continues to use his music to build cross-cultural bridges and spread the message of peace.

Earlier this year the lyrics of Peace Train were turned into a New York Times best-selling children’s book with illustrations from the award winning Peter H Reynolds: http://bit.ly/PeaceTrainBook

The official video for The Rolling Stones’ newest track “Living In The Heart Of Love” is released today, September 22. “Living In The Heart Of Love," which premiered on August 19, is the first of nine previously unreleased tracks featured on the upcoming 40th anniversary editions of chart-topping, multi-platinum 1981 album Tattoo You. The official video is out now, watch here.

The video, shot in Paris, was directed by Charles Mehling and is starring Marguerite Thiam and Nailia Harzoune.

“Living In The Heart Of Love," a quintessential Stones rock workout, complete with urgent guitar licks and fine piano detail, will be included on the box set and deluxe CD and vinyl editions of the forthcoming 40th anniversary multi-format release of 1981 classic Tattoo You, alongside eight other previously unreleased tracks, including “Troubles A’ Comin” and “Come To The Ball." Tattoo You, restored to its full glory and more, will be released by Polydor/Interscope/UMe on October 22.

THE OFFICIAL ‘LIVING IN THE HEART OF LOVE’ VIDEO IS OUT NOW! WATCH HERE

https://the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/HeartOfLoveWatchPR

LISTEN TO ‘LIVING IN A HEART OF LOVE’ HERE

https://the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/LivingInTheHeartOfLovePR

TATTOO YOU (40TH ANNIVERSARY) WILL BE RELEASED ON OCTOBER 22 BY POLYDOR/INTERSCOPE/UMe

PRE-ORDER HERE

https://the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/TattooYou2021PR

Following last year’s 50th anniversaries of the era-defining albums, Tea for the Tillerman and Mona Bone Jakon, 2021 will see Yusuf / Cat Stevens celebrate the succeeding album that immortalized his status as a forerunner in the singer-songwriter movement. The 1971 multi-platinum selling landmark record, Teaser and the Firecat, will be celebrated as a 50th anniversary Super Deluxe Edition box set, due on November 12th, 2021 via A&M/UMe.

A previously unheard recording of the Cat Stevens classic and Teaser album highlight "Moonshadow (Olympic Studio Demo, 1970)" is released today. Actually recorded at Olympic before the release of the two 1970 albums, Mona Bone Jakon and Tea For The Tillerman, this version provides a fascinating insight into the origins of one of the most enduring songs of the 1970s. Listen HERE.

Cat Stevens achieved phenomenal success with his early work, but it was Teaser and the Firecat, his third LP with Island Records – A&M in the U.S. – that propelled Cat Stevens into superstardom, spawning some of his most unforgettable hits including “Moonshadow,” “Peace Train” and “Morning Has Broken,” songs by a youthful spiritual seeker, wise beyond his years that would lay the pretext for a poignant new wave of soulful troubadours and poets. Later, “The Wind” would see Teaser and the Firecat celebrated anew, rising to prominence following the song’s use in Wes Anderson’s much celebrated film “Rushmore” as well as the Oscar-winning Cameron Crowe film, “Almost Famous.” Through his spell-binding gift for songwriting and his introspective vision, Cat delivered a universal sense of hope and peace in Teaser and the Firecat that still resonates profoundly to this day.

Teaser and the Firecat walked tall in what was a year of classic albums and events that would echo down the decades. The 12 months of 1971 was a transitional year in pop culture in which the album joined John Lennon’s Imagine, David Bowie’s Hunky Dory, Joni Mitchell’s Blue, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers and Led Zeppelin IV as the soundtrack to the momentous 500,000 strong anti-Vietnam war March on Washington D.C., the largest demonstration against US war in history, and the “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden, New York City which saw Joe Frazer hand Muhammad Ali his first ever defeat. With the '60s now in the rear-view mirror – The Beatles gone, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin having already passed on, and Jim Morrison tragically joining their number in July '71 – there was a distinct mood of change in the air. Along with burgeoning heavy rock and the socially-conscious R&B of Funkadelic and Sly And The Family Stone, it was the era of the poetical singer-songwriter. As well as being part of this latter movement, Cat Stevens was himself inspired by it.

Half a century later, Teaser and the Firecat has been given the ultimate treatment in a brand new Super Deluxe Edition set; the most in-depth and definitive version of the album possible. Presented in a remastering of Yusuf’s original artwork, the release will include: 41 previously unreleased audio tracks and 21 live video performances on disc for the first time, amongst an entire CD and LP of studio demos and alternate mixes; a stunning 44-page, 12” soft cover replica of the original Teaser and the Firecat book, hand written and illustrated by Yusuf in 1972, and now featuring text in 10 languages; and a 108-page hard-cover 12” essay book, alongside a host of other rarities across 4CDs, Blu-Ray, 2 LPs and 7” vinyl. The set will be presented in a rigid clamshell box and is the latest in a series of boxsets - so far consisting of Back To Earth, Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman - that celebrate the albums in full depth with the direct involvement and direction of Yusuf and his son Yoriyos, who curates and designs each box set.

There will also be a slimmed down version of the Super Deluxe Edition, including the 108-page book in a soft cover format, along with the 4CDs and Blu-ray, housed in a rigid slipcase. Other 50th Anniversary reissue formats include a 2CD Deluxe Edition, plus 1CD and 1LP Remasters.

The 50th anniversary remaster of the album was mixed by David Hefti on CD and LP, the Super Deluxe Edition also includes a CD of previously unreleased studio material and bonus tracks, an alternate version of the album on LP, as well as a third and fourth CD featuring 23 live performances from 1971. The 50th anniversary remaster was completed at Abbey Road Studios, and was overseen by original album producer, Paul Samwell-Smith.

The set includes a remastered 7” single of "Moonshadow," backed with a previously unreleased Spike Milligan narration of the track from the 1977 Teaser and the Firecat animated video. The 50th anniversary edition also includes an exclusive vinyl LP, tracklisted with 5 live performances at Montreux in 1971 and six BBC Recordings, as well as a Blu-Ray disc featuring a restored version of the 1977 animated video for "Moonshadow," a live performance of “The Wind” from 2020, plus 21 live TV performances.

Also featured in the collection is “Bitterblue²,” a newly recorded and never-before-heard version of the classic Teaser album track. Yusuf’s rich vocal, sung a full octave lower than the original, imparts a new sense of experience and gravity to the song whose lyrics seem to resonate with a whole new level of meaning: “I’ve been waiting a long time/To be back beyond.”

Ahead of the 50th anniversary Teaser and the Firecat celebrations, 2021 has seen Yusuf / Cat Stevens partner with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds to produce “Peace Train,” a children’s book celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the iconic song's original release. Featuring joyful illustrations and the timeless lyrics of the much-loved peace anthem, this hopeful picture book – now a New York Times bestseller itself – continues Yusuf’s commitment to children’s education and shared love for people of all cultures and identities.

Elsewhere, July 2021 saw a special Record Store Day release of the 1971 “Harold And Maude” soundtrack, featuring iconic songs from Tea for the Tillerman and Mona Bone Jakon alongside two new compositions for the film, “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out” and “Don’t Be Shy.”

50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Editions of Teaser and the Firecat will be released on November 12th via A&M/UMe. Full format details are listed below.

4CD/Blu-ray/2LP/7” SUPER DELUXE EDITION BOX SET

CD1: Teaser and the Firecat (50th Anniversary Remaster)

    The Wind

    Rubylove

    If I Laugh
    Changes IV
    How Can I Tell You
    Tuesday's Dead
    Morning Has Broken
    Bitterblue
    Moonshadow
    Peace Train

CD2: Demos, Alternate Versions, Bonus Tracks

    The Wind (Dubville Sessions 2020)

    Rubylove (Studio Demo)

    If I Laugh (Studio Demo)
    Changes IV (Alternate Mix, 1971)
    How Can I Tell You (Studio Demo)
    Tuesday's Dead (Studio Demo)
    Morning Has Broken (Basing Street Rehearsal)
    Bitterblue (Basing Street Rehearsal)
    Moonshadow (Olympic Studio Demo, 1970)
    Peace Train (Extended String Mix, 1971)
    The Day They Make Me Tsar (Studio Demo)
    I Want To Live In A Wigwam
    Fisherman Song (Studio Demo)
    Changes IV (Studio Demo)
    Tuesday's Dead (Alternate Mix, 1971)
    Morning Has Broken (Studio Demo)
    Bitterblue² (Reimagined 2021)

CD3: Live On Air, UK, 1971

    Moonshadow (BBC Radio Session, 8th November 1970)
    Tuesday's Dead (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    How Can I Tell You (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    Peace Train (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    Moonshadow (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    Bitterblue (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    Moonshadow (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Where Do The Children Play? (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Longer Boats (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Tuesday's Dead (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Sad Lisa (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Hard Headed Woman (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Father and Son (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    If I Laugh (The Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC TV, 5th October 1971)
    Changes IV (The Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC TV, 5th October 1971)
    Moonshadow (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)
    Tuesday's Dead (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)
    How Can I Tell You (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)
    Bitterblue (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)
    Changes IV (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)  

CD4: Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971

    Intro (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Hard Headed Woman (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    On The Road To Find Out (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Wild World (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Longer Boats (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Maybe You're Right (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Sad Lisa (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Miles From Nowhere (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Katmandu (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Lady D'Arbanville (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Father And Son (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Where Do The Children Play? (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Peace Train (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)

BLU-RAY

HD 24bit/48kHz audio

Teaser and the Firecat (50th Anniversary Remaster)  

    The Wind

    Rubylove

    If I Laugh
    Changes IV
    How Can I Tell You
    Tuesday's Dead
    Morning Has Broken
    Bitterblue
    Moonshadow
    Peace Train

VIDEO

    The Wind
    Moonshadow

Cat Stevens Live In Montreux, Switzerland (2nd May 1971)

    Longer Boats

    Sad Lisa

    Wild World

    Katmandu

    Lady D'Arbanville
    Where Do The Children Play?
    Peace Train

Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends (Yorkshire TV) (7th September 1971)

    Moonshadow
    Where Do The Children Play?
    Longer Boats
    Tuesday's Dead

    Sad Lisa

    Hard Headed Woman
    Father And Son

The Old Grey Whistle Test (BBC TV) (5th October 1971)

    If I Laugh
    Changes IV

Cat Stevens In Concert (BBC TV) (27th November 1971)

    Moon Shadow
    Tuesday's Dead
    How Can I Tell You
    Bitterblue
    Changes IV

LP1: TEASER AND THE FIRECAT (ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS)

SIDE 1

    The Wind (Dubville Sessions 2020)

    Rubylove (Studio Demo)

    If I Laugh (Studio Demo)
    Changes IV (Studio Demo)
    How Can I Tell You (Studio Demo)

SIDE 2

    Tuesday's Dead (Studio Demo)
    Morning Has Broken (Basing Street Rehearsal)
    Bitterblue (Basing Street Rehearsal)
    Moonshadow (Olympic Studio Demo, 1970)
    Peace Train (Extended String Mix, 1971)

LP2: LIVE 1971

SIDE 1: Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971

    Hard Headed Woman
    Wild World
    Lady D'Arbanville
    Father And Son
    Peace Train

SIDE 2: Live At The BBC, 1971

    Moonshadow (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    If I Laugh (The Old Grey Whistle Test, 5th October 1971)
    Tuesday's Dead (Cat Stevens In Concert, 27th November 1971)
    How Can I Tell You (Cat Stevens In Concert, 27th November 1971)
    Bitterblue (Cat Stevens In Concert, 27th November 1971)
    Changes IV (Cat Stevens In Concert, 27th November 1971)

7" SINGLE

    Moonshadow
    Spike Milligan narration

Released in October 1971, Frank Zappa’s “200 Motels” was a miraculous feat, a cinematic collision of the venerated musician and composer’s kaleidoscopic musical and visual worlds that brought together Zappa and his band, The Mothers, Ringo Starr as Zappa – as “a large dwarf” – Keith Moon as a perverted nun, Pamela Des Barres in her acting debut, noted thespian Theodore Bikel, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and an incredible assortment of characters (both on screen and off) for a “surrealistic documentary” about the bizarre life of a touring musician. A heady, psychedelic stew of low and high brow art forms, the film, written by Zappa and co-directed by him and Tony Palmer, mixed together irreverent comedic skits, madcap satire, eye-popping animation and virtuosic on-screen musical performances from both The Mothers and the RPO for a fascinating and free-wheeling multimedia extravaganza. Shot in just 10 days with a budget of around $650,000 from distributor United Artists, “200 Motels” was one of the first movies to be filmed entirely on videotape and Zappa and crew pushed the envelope of the burgeoning new medium’s possibilities, mostly notably through its use of spectacular – and at the time – state-of-the-art visual effects. Described by Zappa as “at once a reportage of real events and an extrapolation of them… other elements include ‘conceptual by-products’ of the extrapolated ‘real event’ … In some ways the contents of the film are autobiographical,” “200 Motels” was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a “a stunning achievement” with “just the right touch of insanity,” and the “Zaniest piece of filmusical fantasy-comedy since The Beatles' ‘A Hard Day's Night’” by Daily Variety.

The music, and its corresponding soundtrack, was equally diverse, a wild pastiche of avant garde rock and orchestral compositions interspersed with dialog from the film. Up until that time, compositions like the finale piece, “Strictly Genteel,” were some of the most ambitious material ever written and recorded by Zappa. The band in the film and on the soundtrack consisted of Frank Zappa (guitar & bass), Mark Volman (vocals & special material), Howard Kaylan (vocals & special material), Ian Underwood (keyboards & winds), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), George Duke (keyboards & trombone), Martin Lickert (bass), Jimmy Carl Black (vocals), and Ruth Underwood (orchestra drum set), not to mention the aforementioned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In true Zappa fashion as he wrote in the album’s original liner notes, “This music is not in the same order as in the movie. Some of this music is in the movie. Some of this music is not in the movie. Some of the music that’s in the movie is not in the album. Some of the music that was written for the movie is not in the movie or the album. All of this music was written for the movie, over a period of 4 years. Most of it (60%) was written in motels while touring.”

In celebration of “200 Motels” golden anniversary, Zappa Records, UMe and MGM have assembled a definitive Super Deluxe six-disc box set of the beloved, yet hard to find, soundtrack for release on November 19. Fully authorized by the Zappa Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers, the monstrous 200 Motels 50th Anniversary Edition brings together the original soundtrack, newly remastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, along with a staggering amount of unreleased and rare material unearthed from FZ’s Vault, including original demos, studio outtakes, work mixes, interviews and movie ads, along with newly discovered dialog reels, revealing an early audio edit of the film. Also included is a wealth of never-before-heard audio documentary material surrounding the project.

Discs 1 and 2 feature the remastered soundtrack with the second half of the second disc consisting of demos and demo outtakes; two of the many highlights from these sessions include unreleased alt mixes and alt takes of the Chunga’s Revenge tunes, “Road Ladies” and “Tell Me You Love Me.” Discs 3 and 4 contain the “Dialog Protection Reels,” which reveal an early version of the movie, while Disc 5 and 6 present unreleased outtakes, alternates and historical nuggets sequenced in the order of the original shooting script, the way Zappa originally envisioned before he ran into time and budget constraints. These illuminating discs reveal Zappa’s original intent for the film for the first time.

The six-disc set will be housed in a 64-page hardcover book in a handsome 12” x 12” slipcase. The packaging replicates the original booklet updated with revealing new liner notes from Pamela Des Barres, Ruth Underwood and Joe Travers, as well as Patrick Pending’s essay from the 1997 reissue, and is chock full of motion picture artwork, stills and images, from the film and its making, many which have never been seen before. This must-have collector’s release will also include a custom “200 Motels” keychain and Do-No-Disturb motel door hanger and a full-size replica of the original movie poster. Years in the making, all the audio was meticulously identified and transferred over several years as Travers dug through the Vault to create a new high resolution 96K/24B digital patchwork stereo master from the original analog tapes. The Vault material was mastered by John Polito in 2021.

The remastered 200 Motels soundtrack will also be reissued on vinyl as a 2LP pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and also as a limited edition red vinyl pressing on 180-gram vinyl, which will only be available exclusively through Zappa.com, uDiscoverMusic.com or SoundofVinyl.com. Both will be pressed by Optimal Media in Germany and be the first time the album has been available on vinyl in decades. The soundtrack will also be released on 2CD and all formats will include a smaller version of the movie poster. Additionally, the entire Super Deluxe Edition box set will be available digitally for streaming and download, marking the soundtrack’s digital debut, in both standard and hi-res audio. Pre-order for all configurations is available now.

Available today is the first taste of the 50th Anniversary Edition with the track “Mystery Roach” (Dialog Protection Reel) taken from Disc 3, which houses the “Dialog Protection Reels.” Found in the Vault, these work in progress tracks reveal an early version of the movie. The music mixes are in mono and were created before Zappa went into Whitney Studios for over-dubbing and sweetening.

PRE-ORDER 200 MOTELS 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

STREAM/SHARE “MYSTERY ROACH” (DIALOG PROTECTION REEL)

Putting together this 50th anniversary edition was a labor intensive process that bore fruit at nearly every turn as Travers dug through Zappa’s expansive archives to put together this exhaustive edition. As Travers writes in the liners, “During this search and seizure mission, I was able to unearth a multitude of audio treasures from a very large number of tapes. Original demos, session outtakes, alternate mixes and versions, and even dialog reels that captured an edit of the film that predates the final assembly which eventually made it to theaters everywhere in 1971.” Amongst the gems discovered include a number of ¼-inch reel-to-reel tapes that were made at Trident Studios during February of ’71, which  contain rough mixes of nearly everything that was recorded on multi-track. As Travers explains, “they reflect raw performances, as they happened before FZ would get a hold of the multi-track masters and bring them to Whitney Studios in Glendale for over-dubs and sweetening. The Trident tapes allow us to hear music that did not make the film, or the final soundtrack album. They also helped us to reconstruct pieces of music like ‘The Pleated Gazelle’ or ‘What’s The Name Of Your Group?’ into their full sequences per the score. Over the years, even Frank himself forgot the sheer amount of music that actually did get recorded. All of the archiving for this 50th Anniversary set has produced incredible amounts of content that we would never had known existed otherwise.”

200 MOTELS 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION SUPER DELUXE BOX SET

CD 1: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK – REMASTERED

    Semi-Fraudulent / Direct-From-Hollywood Overture
    Mystery Roach
    Dance Of The Rock & Roll Interviewers
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Prologue)
    Tuna Fish Promenade
    Dance Of The Just Plain Folks
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Reprise)
    The Sealed Tuna Bolero
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt
    Touring Can Make You Crazy
    Would You Like A Snack?
    Redneck Eats
    Centerville
    She Painted Up Her Face
    Janet's Big Dance Number
    Half A Dozen Provocative Squats
    Mysterioso
    Shove It Right In
    Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist & Postlude
    I'm Stealing The Towels
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You?
    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
    Penis Dimension
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning

CD 2: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK – REMASTERED (Cont’d)

    A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes
    Magic Fingers
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch
    Dew On The Newts We Got
    The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts
    The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth
    The Girl's Dream
    Little Green Scratchy Sweaters & Courduroy Ponce
    Strictly Genteel (The Finale)

200 MOTELS DEMOS, 2ND MOVEMENT – ROCK MUSIC

    Road Ladies (Alternate Mix)
    What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening
    What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are?
    Bwana Dik
    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
    Do You Like My New Car?
    Magic Fingers
    Phyllis & Aynsley
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning (Alternate Mix)

200 MOTELS DEMO SESSION OUTTAKES

    Tell Me You Love Me (Mix Outtake)
    Road Ladies (Alternate Take)
    What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening (Studio Outtakes)
    What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening (Alternate Take, Incomplete)
    "Aynsley Dunbar, Ladies & Gentlemen"
    Magic Fingers (Version B, Mix Outtake)
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning (Mix Outtake)
    Tell Me You Love Me (Alternate Take)

CD 3: 200 MOTELS – DIALOG PROTECTION REELS

    Scene 1-2: Semi-Fraudulent/Direct-From-Hollywood Overture
    Scene 3: "What's The Deal?"
    Mystery Roach
    Scene 32: "It's A Good Thing We Get Paid To Do This…"
    Scene 14: What's The Name Of Your Group? I
    Scene 32: "We Haven't Formed The Group Yet"
    Scene 15: What's The Name Of Your Group? II
    Scene 17: "When Do We Get Paid?"
    Scene 18: Went On The Road
    Scene 19-20: "Special Delivery"
    Scene 21: Centerville
    Scene 21: Janet & Lucy
    Scene 22: This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich
    Scene 23-24: Tuna Fish Promenade
    Scene 28: The Sealed Tuna Bolero
    Scene 29: Lonesome Cowboy Burt
    Scene 30: JCB & Rance
    Scene 21: Larry The Dwarf
    Scene 81: Magic Fingers
    Scene 47: Larry The Dwarf In The Hotel Room
    Scene 33: The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts
    Scene 40-41: The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth
    Scene 42: Little Green Scratchy Sweaters & Courduroy Ponce
    Scene 45: A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes
    Scene 57: The Perverted Nun
    Scene 87: "Penis!"
    Scene 58: She Painted Up Her Face
    Scene 60: Janet's Big Dance Number
    Scene 61: Half A Dozen Provocative Squats
    Scene 62: Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist
    Scene 63: Shove It Right In
    Scene 67: "I Am Bwana Dik!"
    Scene 68-69: What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening
    Scene 77: Daddy, Daddy, Daddy

CD 4: 200 MOTELS – DIALOG PROTECTION REELS (Cont’d)

    Scene 90: Biff Debris & Jeff
    Scene 84-85: Penis Dimension
    Scene 32: Mystery Roach (Acoustic) / "Yeah? Well Fine!"
    Scene 71: What Will The Evening Bring Me This Morning
    Scene 92: Jeff Flips Out / I'm Stealing The Room
    Scene 100: Strictly Genteel
    Scene 100: 200 Motels Finale

BONUS SWILL, PART I

    “I Was Gonna Make A Movie One Time…”
    200 Motels Movie Ad #1
    What's The Name Of Your Group? (FZ Edit)
    200 Motels Movie Ad #2
    FZ on Ringo Starr
    Ringo Starr on 200 Motels
    200 Motels Movie Ad #3
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch (Mix Outtake)
    Looking For Newts
    "They Are Only In It For The Money"
    200 Motels Movie Ad #4
    200 Motels Commercial Session Outtakes
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You? (Mix Outtake)
    "I Shall Ruin All The Tapes"
    Janet's Big Dance Number (Basic Tracks)
    Martin Lickert Voice-Over
    Touring Can Make You Crazy (Mix Outtake)
    Penis Dimension (Instrumental Alternate Take)
    Centerville (Mix Outtake)
    Mystery Roach (Alternate Master)
    Magic Fingers (Mix Outtake)
    200 Motels Movie Ad #5

CD 5: 200 MOTELS - ALTERNATES AND OUTTAKES

    What Is 200 Motels?
    Theodore Bikel Voice-Over (Alternate Take)
    Semi-Fraudulent/Direct-From-Hollywood Overture (Mix Outtake)
    What's The Name Of Your Group? (Complete Sequence, Part I)
    What's The Name Of Your Group? (Complete Sequence, Part II)
    What's The Name Of Your Group? (Complete Sequence, Part III)
    Can I Help You With This Dummy?
    Pianos For The Pleated Gazelle
    Synth Tracks I
    Would You Like A Snack? (Alternate Take)
    Howard Kaylan/Mark Volman Voice-Over
    Centerville (Rough Mix)
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Prologue, Mix Outtake)
    Tuna Fish Promenade (Mix Outtake)
    The Sealed Tuna Bolero (Alternate Take)
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt (Mix Outtake)
    Naval Aviation In Art?
    Redneck Eats/The Restaurant Scene (Basic Tracks)
    Mystery Roach (Basic Tracks)
    I Have Seen The Pleated Gazelle
    Dew On The Newts We Got (Rough Mix)
    The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts (Rough Mix)
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch (Rough Mix)
    The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth (Rough Mix, Alternate Ending)
    The Girl's Dream (Rough Mix)
    Little Green Scratchy Sweaters And Courduroy Ponce
    Scene 43: A Cardboard Box
    Scene 44
    A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes (Rough Mix)
    She Painted Up Her Face (Compressed Mix)
    The Secret Stare
    Half A Dozen Provocative Squats (Compressed Mix)
    Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist (Basic Tracks)
    Shove It Right In (Compressed Mix)
    Postlude (Basic Tracks)
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning (Mix Outtake)

CD 6: 200 MOTELS - ALTERNATES AND OUTTAKES

    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy (Alternate Take)
    Magic Fingers (Alternate Take)
    Penis Dimension (Basic Tracks)
    Scene 86
    Scene 87 (Alternate Take)
    Synth Tracks II
    I'm Stealing The Towels (Basic Tracks, Alternate Take)
    Scene 94: "He's Always Watching Me"
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma (Part I, Basic Tracks)
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You? (Mix Outtake)
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma (Part II, Basic Tracks)
    Strictly Genteel (Basic Tracks)
    200 Motels Finale (Alternate Take)
    200 Motels Finale (Basic Tracks, Unedited Ending)

BONUS SWILL, PART II

    Movie Theater Skit (Commercial Session Outtake)
    200 Motels Album Ad #1
    Script Rehearsal Trim
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt (In Rehearsal 1969)
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt (In Rehearsal 1970)
    200 Motels Album Ad #2
    Penis Dimension Jingle Music
    TV Hype (Commercial Session Outtake)
    200 Motels Movie Ad # 6

200 MOTELS SOUNDTRACK 2LP

LP 1 – SIDE 1

    Semi-Fraudulent / Direct-From-Hollywood Overture
    Mystery Roach
    Dance Of The Rock & Roll Interviewers
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Prologue)
    Tuna Fish Promenade
    Dance Of The Just Plain Folks
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Reprise)
    The Sealed Tuna Bolero
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt

LP 1 – SIDE 2

    Touring Can Make You Crazy
    Would You Like A Snack?
    Redneck Eats
    Centerville
    She Painted Up Her Face
    Janet's Big Dance Number
    Half A Dozen Provocative Squats
    Mysterioso
    Shove It Right In
    Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist & Postlude

LP 2 – SIDE 3

    I'm Stealing The Towels
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You?
    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
    Penis Dimension
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning

LP 2 – SIDE 4

    A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes
    Magic Fingers
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch
    Dew On The Newts We Got
    The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts
    The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth
    The Girl's Dream
    Little Green Scratchy Sweaters & Courduroy Ponce
    Strictly Genteel (The Finale)

200 MOTELS SOUNDTRACK 2CD

CD 1: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK – REMASTERED

    Semi-Fraudulent / Direct-From-Hollywood Overture
    Mystery Roach
    Dance Of The Rock & Roll Interviewers
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Prologue)
    Tuna Fish Promenade
    Dance Of The Just Plain Folks
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Reprise)
    The Sealed Tuna Bolero
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt
    Touring Can Make You Crazy
    Would You Like A Snack?
    Redneck Eats
    Centerville
    She Painted Up Her Face
    Janet's Big Dance Number
    Half A Dozen Provocative Squats
    Mysterioso
    Shove It Right In
    Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist & Postlude

CD 2: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK – REMASTERED (Cont’d)

    I'm Stealing The Towels
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You?
    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
    Penis Dimension
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning
    A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes
    Magic Fingers
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch
    Dew On The Newts We Got
    The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts
    The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth
    The Girl's Dream
    Little Green Scratchy Sweaters & Courduroy Ponce
    Strictly Genteel (The Finale)

Today Sonos (Nasdaq: SONO) revealed their fall line-up of original programming coming to Sonos Radio and Sonos Radio HD, including a new artist-curated station from the queen of neo-soul Erykah Badu and a collaboration station from Impulse! Records and avid jazz fan and historian Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The platform also announced plans to roll out additional sleep and holiday stations, alongside new premieres and seasons of its popular podcast-style shows on Sonos Sound System. The new programming gives fans even more ways to discover the music and content they love on Sonos Radio, with hand-selected tracks to soundtrack every moment of their day.

“Sonos Radio has seen explosive growth in the last year, with listening hours nearly doubling as consumers embrace the golden age of audio and spend more time streaming their favorite music, audiobooks and podcasts at home,” explained Joe Dawson, Director of Content and Brand Platforms at Sonos. “In a year where artists and consumers have been stripped of in-person concerts and festivals, Sonos Radio has become an important platform for creators to develop unique audio experiences and reach their fans directly where they are - at home.”

Available to all customers globally in the app, Sonos Radio will launch a new slate of programming this Fall to help inspire and feed fans’ love of music, while bringing unexpected moments of joy into the home.

• Erykah Badu’s BADUBOTRON Radio blasts off as Badu takes you outta this world and into her sonic orbit. A space where music genres are stars and the galaxy is filled with psychedelic funk, retro soul, classic rock, spiritual jazz and experimental hip hop. A trip to Badu’s curated station will take your mind exactly where it needs to go.
• Impulse! Records Radio hosted by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar commemorates the 60th anniversary of the legendary Jazz label that’s home to all-time greats including John and Alice Coltrane, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones and more. As host of the station, basketball hall of famer, activist and jazz historian Abdul-Jabbar will revisit the role of jazz music in his upbringing and its deep roots in African American history and culture.
• Expanded sleep stations composed and mastered by Mikael Jorgensen of the Grammy Award-winning band Wilco will include Slow Motion Freeway, Waterfall at Dusk, Warm Glow and Midnight Beach (all HD only).
• New seasonal stations to soundtrack your holiday festivities including Fright Night (HD only), Horror Punk, Monster Bash and Infinite Darkness to haunt your Halloween and Thankful, Tanz, Joyous Kwanzaa and Country Christmas to bring the yuletide cheer home for the holidays.
• A growing lineup of internationally-relevant programming will uncover the sights and sounds of underground music scenes across the world, including Garage Skank in the UK, Schlager Charts in Germany and Nederhop in The Netherlands.
• New show premieres on Sonos Sound System including Imaginary Soundtracks, Famous Last Words, Dada Strain Radio, and Music is Everything. All shows can be streamed on-demand in the in-app archive and on Mixcloud.
• Running back the fan favorites on Sonos Sound System with season two of Sheroes Mixtape Memoir and Call & Response and season five of Radio Hour guests, including Junglepussy, CAN, Angelique Kidjo, George Clinton, Seinabo Sey, Anika, Kero Kero Bonito and more. All shows can be streamed on-demand in the in-app archive and on Mixcloud.

Sonos Radio is available free for all Sonos customers globally, pre-loaded in the Sonos app. Sonos Radio HD offers an expanded catalogue of original content streaming ad-free in high-definition, CD-quality audio with skips and repeats, currently available in the US, UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Canada, Austria and France. Listeners everywhere can tune-in to select Sonos Radio shows through Mixcloud, and stay up-to-date with the latest Sonos Radio updates by following @sonosradio on Instagram.

The Rolling Stones today release the previously unheard track “Troubles A’ Comin” via Polydor/Interscope/UMe. The never-before-released song is set to feature on the upcoming, newly remastered 40th anniversary editions of chart-topping, multi-platinum 1981 album Tattoo You. “Troubles A’ Comin” is out today, September 30, listen here and watch the lyric video here.

Originally recorded by the Stones in Paris in 1979 and now released for the very first time, “Troubles A’ Comin” is an infectious and multi-faceted cover of the Chi-Lites original. The guitar-driven track is a true gem for fans around the world, giving an irresistible taste of the nine newly completed songs and rarities featured on Tattoo You’s unmissable Lost & Found disc.

Anticipation for the new editions of Tattoo You will be high among Stones devotees and new admirers alike, as the rock’n’roll legends have returned to the road for the critically acclaimed US ‘No Filter’ tour, which kicked off in St. Louis last Sunday, September 26. It follows the huge success of the 2020 reissue of the Stones’ 1973 landmark Goats Head Soup, which took the album back to No.1 in the UK.

The newly remastered Tattoo You (40th Anniversary) will feature the original 11-track album, including such enduring favourites as “Hang Fire”, “Waiting On A Friend” and of course the opening track that has been a band signature ever since, “Start Me Up”. “Troubles A’ Comin”, released September 30, will be included on the box set and deluxe CD and vinyl editions of the forthcoming multi-format release. Tattoo You, restored to its full glory and more, will be released by Polydor/Interscope/UMe on October 22. Pre-order Tattoo You (40th Anniversary) here.

THE ROLLING STONES ‘TROUBLES A’ COMIN’ IS OUT NOW

LISTEN HERE

TATTOO YOU (40TH ANNIVERSARY) WILL BE RELEASED BY UNIVERSAL MUSIC ON 22 OCTOBER

PRE-ORDER HERE

The John Lennon Estate and Song Exploder have teamed up for a special, first-of-its kind episode about John Lennon’s classic song, “God,” from his transformational and influential masterpiece, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Lennon’s first post-Beatles solo album, released in 1970. “God” was recorded on Lennon’s 30th birthday, October 9th, 1970, 51 years ago this week.

“I’m a big fan of Song Exploder and the way Hrishi analyzes songwriting and recording using the multitracks and sessions and the creator's voice,” Sean Ono Lennon said. “The shows are always intelligent, well-researched and beautifully edited, so we felt comfortable and confident opening up the archive to them to tell the story of this important song’s creation. They’ve done an amazing job and I’m excited for everyone to hear this special episode.”

Song Exploder was given unprecedented access to the John Lennon Estate’s extensive archive of interviews as well as the master recording, multitracks, original demo, outtakes, studio chatter and more to explore the creation and evolution of “God.” The podcast, which typically features host and creator Hrishikesh Hirway asking an artist to take apart their song and tell the story of its creation as they put it back together piece by piece, was accomplished through a mix of archival interviews with John Lennon (vocals/guitar), Ringo Starr (drums) and Billy Preston (piano), and a newly recorded interview with Klaus Voormann (bass), bringing together everyone who played on the song. Much of Lennon’s interview is taken from his legendary Rolling Stone interview with Jann Wenner conducted on December 8, 1970, just days before John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band was released. The episode also includes an archival interview clip from psychologist Arthur Janov, the founder of Primal Scream therapy, the intense and emotional psychotherapy that John Lennon and Yoko Ono practiced for months and which informs the artistic exorcism found on the album.

“I'm so grateful to Yoko Ono, Sean Ono Lennon and the John Lennon Estate for inviting me to make this episode,” Hrishikesh Hirway said. “I'd never made a posthumous episode, but if there were ever a reason to try, John Lennon is it. It was a unique challenge to craft something that felt like the podcast, but the estate shared archival interview footage, and all the raw recordings from John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. They had every take, every track, and the banter between takes – it was an incredible treasure trove to draw from. Most artists I talk to about songs they just made don't have that level of detail and organization.”

When released in 1970 following the dissolution of The Beatles, Lennon caused quite a bit of controversy, not only for the opening line of “God is a concept by which we measure our pain” but for his rebuke of his old band when he sang “I don’t believe in Beatles/I just believe in me/Yoko and me.” It was revolutionary for a Beatle to say that that about The Beatles and to be so honest. He sent a shock around the world when he famously declared, “the dream is over,” signaling the end of the cultural revolution and his desire to move on from being in the most famous band on earth: “I was the dream weaver/But now I'm reborn/I was the Walrus/But now I'm John/And so dear friends/You just have to carry on/The dream is over.”

Much of the material used for the episode comes from the acclaimed John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection box set, released earlier this year in honor of the album’s 50th anniversary. The eight-disc super deluxe box set is an immersive, deep listening experience and in-depth exploration of what Lennon described as “the best thing I’ve ever done.” Fully authorized by Yoko Ono Lennon, who oversaw the production and creative direction, and from the same audio team that worked on 2018’s critically acclaimed Imagine – The Ultimate Collection, including triple GRAMMY®-Award winning engineer Paul Hicks and mixers/engineers Rob Stevens and Sam Gannon, the Ultimate Collection puts listeners in the center of the studio and explores the album’s 1970 recording sessions at EMI Studios 2 & 3, Abbey Road along with John’s post-Beatles singles, “Give Peace A Chance,” “Cold Turkey” and “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On).” From inception to the final master, the sessions are explored through scores of unreleased and rare demos, rehearsals, outtakes, jams and studio conversations, revealing how these beloved songs came to be. Everything in this expansive box set has been newly mixed from scratch from brand new 192kHz/24bit hi-res transfers. In addition to the various new mixes, the set boasts 87 never-before-heard recordings.

Similar to the previous Ultimate Collection, the set offers a variety of listening experiences that are at once immersive and intimate, ranging from the brand new Ultimate Mixes of the timeless album, which put John’s vocals front and center and sonically upgrade the sound, to the Elements Mixes, which isolate and bring forth certain elements from the multitrack recordings to reveal even deeper levels of detail and clarity, and the Raw Studio Mixes, which allows listeners to experience the moment John and the Plastic Ono Band recorded each song, mixed raw and live without effects, tape delays or reverbs. The Evolutionary Documentary is a unique track-by-track audio montage that details the evolution of each song from demo to master recording via instructions, rehearsals, recordings, multitrack exploration and studio chatter. The Blu-rays present an array of listening options including high-definition, studio quality 192kHz/24bit audio in stereo and enveloping 5.1 Surround and Dolby Atmos mixes.

As John & Yoko Ono Lennon’s paean for peace, “Imagine,” continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the iconic song has just been certified triple platinum by the RIAA for selling 3 million units in the U.S. The achievement comes on the eve of what would have been John’s 81st birthday this Saturday, October 9th.

“John and I were both artists and we were living together, so we inspired each other. The song ‘Imagine’ embodied what we believed together at the time. John and I met – he comes from the West and I come from the East – and still we are together. We have this oneness and ‘the whole world would eventually become one’ is the sense that we will all be very happy together. All these instructions are for people for how to spend eternity, because we have lots of time.”

– Yoko Ono Lennon

“We are thrilled to present this award to Yoko for John & Yoko Ono Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’ One of the most important and universally recognized songs in music, this historic achievement coincides as we celebrate the song and album’s 50th anniversary,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe. “‘Imagine’ remains a timeless global anthem, and John & Yoko’s message of peace is just as relevant today as when it was first written.”

In honor of Imagine’s golden anniversary and John Lennon’s birthday, Yoko Ono Lennon and the John Lennon Estate are celebrating the legendary songwriter, musician, and peace activist with a variety of events and releases throughout the weekend.

IMAGINE IN DOLBY ATMOS

Beginning today, the much-requested three-dimensional Dolby Atmos mixes from 2018’s acclaimed Imagine - The Ultimate Collection Box Set are now available to stream on Amazon Music, Apple Music and Tidal. Listen here: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/Imagine_The_Ultimate_Mixes

IMAGINE PEACE TOWER

On Saturday, October 9th, the Imagine Peace Tower in Reykjavík, Iceland will be illuminated as it is annually at 1 pm PDT/4 pm EDT/9 pm BST/8pm Reykjavík, following a speech from the Mayor of Reykjavík, Dagur B. Eggertsson. The installation of the Imagine Peace Tower is a collaboration of Yoko Ono, Reykjavík City, Reykjavík Art Museum, Reykjavík City Museum and Reykjavík Energy. It has been illuminated in honor of John Lennon every year since it was installed by Yoko Ono in 2007. For more information and to watch the livestream visit imaginepeacetower.com

GLOBAL IMAGINE LISTENING PARTY

Also on John’s birthday, October 9th, following two hugely popular Listening Party Events for the Imagine film and John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album, the John Lennon Estate and Tim’s Twitter Listening Party team up once again for a special fan-first Listening Party for Imagine – The Ultimate Mixes encouraging fans to tweet their tributes for John Lennon and the Imagine album with their own memories and memorabilia on his birthday while watching the livestream of the IMAGINE PEACE TOWER lighting up and listening to the album. For more information or to replay the previous Lennon listening parties visit TimsTwitterListeningParty.com. To participate, follow @johnlennon @yokoono @LISTENING_PARTY and @Tim_Burgess on Twitter and use the hashtags #IMAGINE50 and #TimsTwitterListeningParty to join in. All of the times for the event worldwide can be found here: https://bit.ly/TTLP-JL-ITUC

IMAGINE ON LIMITED EDITION DOUBLE WHITE VINYL

Last month, Capitol/UMe released a Limited Collector’s Edition pressing of Imagine as a double LP on white vinyl, featuring the acclaimed 2018 Ultimate Mixes, mixed by engineer Paul Hicks and overseen by Yoko Ono Lennon on LP1 and a host of outtakes on LP2. The unique, expanded edition, Imagine - The Ultimate Mixes & Out-takes, includes the original demo for “Imagine” alongside a host of outtakes that demonstrate the writing and recording process and showcase the evolution of the songs. Included are outtakes for nearly every song on the record including “Jealous Guy” (Take 9), “It’s So Hard” (Take 6), “Crippled Inside” (Take 3, Take 6), “Gimme Some Truth” (Take 4), “I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier Mama I Don’t Wanna Die” (Take 25), “Oh My Love” (Take 6), “How Do You Sleep?” (Takes 1 & 2), and an early version of “Oh Yoko” taken from the Bed Peace rehearsal filmed in the Bahamas. The limited edition release is available to purchase now: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/Imagine-White-2LP

IMAGINE – THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

The stunning Ultimate Mixes and Out-takes included on the vinyl were originally released in 2018 on the six-disc box set, Imagine – The Ultimate Collection. The Box Set of the historical, remixed and remastered 140-track collection, which was fully authorized by Yoko Ono Lennon (who oversaw the production and creative direction) offers a variety of listening experiences that are at once immersive and intimate, ranging from the Ultimate Mixes of the original album, which reveal whole new levels of sonic depth, definition and clarity to these timeless songs, to the Raw Studio Mixes that allow listeners to hear Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band’s original, unadorned performances, to enveloping 5.1 surround sound mixes, and a Quadrasonic Album Mix, presenting the original four speaker mix remastered in Quadrasonic sound for the first time in nearly fifty years. This ultimate Deep Listening experience, which features scores of previously unheard demos, rare out-takes and isolated track elements, also includes The Evolution Documentary, a unique track-by-track audio montage that details the journey of each song from demo to master recording via instructions, rehearsals, recordings, multitrack exploration and studio chatter.  The comprehensive nature of the full Imagine – The Ultimate Collection is the absolute best representation of a career artist working at the top of his creative game.

NEW IMAGINE MERCHANDISE

As part of the celebration, a new collection of Imagine merchandise has been released in the official store. To see the full collection, visit: store.johnlennon.com

THE JOHN LENNON ESTATE TEAMS UP WITH SONG EXPLODER

The John Lennon Estate and Song Exploder have teamed up for a special, first-of-its kind episode about John Lennon’s classic song, “God,” from his transformational and influential masterpiece, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Lennon’s first post-Beatles solo album, released in 1970. “God” was recorded on Lennon’s 30th birthday, October 9th, 1970, 51 years ago this week. Listen here: https://songexploder.net/john-lennon

“I’m a big fan of Song Exploder and the way Hrishi analyzes songwriting and recording using the multitracks and sessions and the creator's voice,” Sean Ono Lennon said. “The shows are always intelligent, well-researched and beautifully edited, so we felt comfortable and confident opening up the archive to them to tell the story of this important song’s creation. They’ve done an amazing job and I’m excited for everyone to hear this special episode.”

Song Exploder was given unprecedented access to the John Lennon Estate’s extensive archive of interviews as well as the master recording, multitracks, original demo, outtakes, studio chatter and more to explore the creation and evolution of “God.” The podcast, which typically features host and creator Hrishikesh Hirway asking an artist to take apart their song and tell the story of its creation as they put it back together piece by piece, was accomplished through a mix of archival interviews with John Lennon (vocals/guitar), Ringo Starr (drums) and Billy Preston (piano), and a newly recorded interview with Klaus Voormann (bass), bringing together everyone who played on the song. Much of Lennon’s interview is taken from his legendary Rolling Stone interview with Jann Wenner conducted on December 8, 1970, just days before John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band was released. The episode also includes an archival interview clip from psychologist Arthur Janov, the founder of Primal Scream therapy, the intense and emotional psychotherapy that John Lennon and Yoko Ono practiced for months and which informs the artistic exorcism found on the album.

“I'm so grateful to Yoko Ono, Sean Ono Lennon and the John Lennon Estate for inviting me to make this episode,” Hrishikesh Hirway said. “I'd never made a posthumous episode, but if there were ever a reason to try, John Lennon is it. It was a unique challenge to craft something that felt like the podcast, but the estate shared archival interview footage, and all the raw recordings from John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. They had every take, every track, and the banter between takes – it was an incredible treasure trove to draw from. Most artists I talk to about songs they just made don't have that level of detail and organization.”

ABOUT JOHN LENNON

John Lennon is arguably the greatest songwriter of his generation. As a founder and leader of The Beatles and also as a solo artist, Lennon has won seven GRAMMY® Awards, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards, Five BRIT Awards including two Special Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Music, 21 NME Awards, 15 Ivor Novellos and an Oscar (Academy Award). He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked Lennon in the Top 5 of the magazine's "100 Greatest Singers Of All Time" list. With a message as universal and pertinent today as it was when the album was created, Imagine secures John & Yoko’s collective place in cultural history.

ABOUT YOKO ONO

Yoko Ono is a multiple award-winning multimedia artist who constantly challenges the traditional boundaries of art. She is known for her ground-breaking conceptual and performance pieces, experimental films and music. She is especially renowned for her peace events and initiatives, first with husband John Lennon, including the Bed-Ins for Peace and WAR IS OVER! (If You Want It) international billboard and poster campaigns, and more recently with her IMAGINE PEACE messaging and her tribute to Lennon, the IMAGINE PEACE TOWER in Iceland and constituent participatory Wish Trees throughout the world. She continues to work to preserve their legacy, including, among other projects, Strawberry Fields in Manhattan’s Central Park and the ‘Imagine There’s No Hunger’ campaign.

After nearly six decades, a private recording of a rare, nightclub performance by John Coltrane of his magnum opus, A Love Supreme, is now available via Impulse! Records/UMe. Recorded in late 1965 on the culminating evening of a historic week-long run at The Penthouse in Seattle, A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle is a musical revelation of historic importance, capturing Coltrane as he began to expand his classic quartet—adding Pharoah Sanders on second saxophone and Donald Garrett on second bass—and catapulting him into the intense, spiritually focused final phase of his career. The album is available now to stream, download and for purchase on CD and vinyl as a double LP here: https://JohnColtrane.lnk.to/LiveInSeattlePR.

A visualizer for the transfixing opening composition, “A Love Supreme, Pt. 1 – Acknowledgement,” which sees the septet stretch out for nearly three times the length of the album version, is available to enjoy today along with the visualizer for the album closer, “A Love Supreme, Part IV – Psalm,” released last month. Watch the visualizers here: https://JohnColtrane.lnk.to/LISPL

Yesterday, NPR Music brought together WBGO’s Nate Chinen, renowned musicians, saxophonist Branford Marsalis and harpist Brandee Younger, along with fans around the world, to discuss the album in an engrossing live conversation as part of their Listening Party series. The discussion is available to view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJeXI542YUI

Hailed by the New York Times as “a landmark discovery” and “as significant an event in jazz-historical terms as any archival gem unearthed in the last decade or more” by NPR’s Morning Edition, A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle has received stellar reviews from around the globe with Uncut bestowing the album with a perfect 10 and calling it “archival jazz gold… a spacious and uplifting take on Coltrane’s masterpiece,” and UK’s The Guardian and Italy’s Buscadero awarding the record five stars. Meanwhile, The Atlantic emphatically exclaimed that it “compels a new understanding of one of the most important and well-known jazz compositions of all time.”

The significance of A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle is heightened by the fact that Coltrane seldom performed his four-part suite after originally recording it in the studio in 1964. Composed and created as a public declaration of his personal spiritual beliefs and universalist sentiment, it became a best-seller and received a GRAMMY nod the next year. For more than six decades, it seemed the only recorded public performance of A Love Supreme took place at a French festival at Juan-Les-Pains in July 1965 and was released almost twenty years ago. The tape reels containing this performance from October 1965 sat in the private collection of Seattle saxophonist and educator Joe Brazil, heard by a few fortunate musicians and friends—and largely unknown until now.

A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle is a fascinating and rare performance of the full suite, marked by a looser and more improvisational approach, and a overriding sense of communal participation—much like a Sunday church service; the lineup featured John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders on saxophones, McCoy Tyner on piano, Elvin Jones on drums, and Jimmy Garrison and Donald (Rafael) Garrett on basses. Carlos Ward, then a young saxophonist just getting started on the scene, sat in as well.

As music historian Ashley Kahn puts it in the liner notes, A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle “offers the first evidence of the master of spiritual expression performing his signature work in the close confines of a jazz club…on October 2, 1965, a Saturday, in Seattle, the necessary elements were in alignment: music, players, venue, a spirit of connection, a certain political charge. Coltrane chose to perform it, and significantly, the moment was recorded.”

Kahn’s extensive liner notes tell the story of A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle not only through the words of the musicians themselves, but also through a number of witnesses whose lives were changed by Coltrane’s visit to Seattle in 1965 (his sole visit to the city as a leader), including Brazil, Ward, and bassist David Friesen, who states: “I’ve always pursued the spiritual aspect of the music and I still do. I remember sitting with Coltrane during one break that week and…what touched me was the way he treated other people. He showed mercy and kindness to people from what I could see around me for the week that I was there.”

The music on A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle was recorded with a two-microphone set-up onstage, connected to an Ampex reel-to-reel machine, and the only copies of the tapes were well cared for, yielding a remarkably clear and distortion-free recording. “What’s remarkable is that tapes from this era often suffer over the years from heat or moisture damage, or simply being stacked horizontally,” writes engineer Kevin Reeves who restored and mastered this release. “However, these tapes are in excellent condition… and the results are among the best amateur recordings of John Coltrane we’ve had the pleasure to work on.”

The story of the A Love Supreme suite is the story of John Coltrane—his musical journey, and his spiritual path. It has become one of the most celebrated and influential recordings to come out of the jazz canon, revered and studied by musicians far beyond the jazz realm. Rolling Stone magazine consistently lists it among the top albums of all time. “Of his many musical creations, Coltrane looked upon A Love Supreme in a very special light,” Kahn notes in the liner notes to A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle. “He called A Love Supreme a ‘humble offering to the Divine; no other composition or recording was similarly offered nor did he append his signature to any other work. A Love Supreme was as much an individual testament as it was a public statement—a sermon of universalist belief.” A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle now expands the story of both a great musician and a timeless piece of music.

A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle

    A Love Supreme, Pt. 1 – Acknowledgement
    Interlude 1
    A Love Supreme, Pt. II – Resolution
    Interlude 2
    A Love Supreme, Pt. III – Pursuance
    Interlude 3
    Interlude 4
    A Love Supreme, Pt. IV – Psalm

Recorded by Joe Brazil at The Penthouse, Seattle WA

Restored and Mastered by Kevin Reeves at East Iris Studios, Nashville, TN

An animated silhouette of Frank Sinatra, one of popular culture’s most captivating singers, opens a new video for his heartfelt “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” available here.  As the song continues, the animation beautifully reveals a tender story about facing the holiday season in a new city while trying to build a life. The video is dedicated to those who have made these courageous journeys.

WATCH/SHARE VIDEO FOR “HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS”

David Calcano, acclaimed graphic novelist and founder of Fantoons Animation Studios, directed the video with filmmaker Ala Nunu (“Ahead”). Born in Venezuela, Los Angeles-based Calcano collaborated with Nunu, born in Poland, to craft a seasonal storyline that echoes memories of David’s own experiences leaving his hometown while capturing the essence of Frank Sinatra's poignant performance.

Ahead of the December 17th release of Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels 50th Anniversary Edition, the Zappa Trust and UMe are giving another glimpse into some of the extraordinary unreleased and rare material unearthed from FZ’s vault that will be available on the monstrous new six-disc box set that boasts a new remaster of the original soundtrack, demos, studio outtakes, work mixes, interviews and movie ads, along with newly discovered dialog reels, revealing an early audio edit of the film. Also included in the collection is a wealth of never-before-heard audio documentary material surrounding the project.

Available today is an exciting, previously unreleased alternate version of “Magic Fingers (Version B, Mix Outtake),” from the demo sessions, recorded in August 1970 at Whitney Studios, and featured on Disc 2 alongside a handful of outtakes and alternate takes of other soundtrack standouts like “Tell Me You Love Me,” “Road Ladies,” “What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening,” and “What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning.” “Magic Fingers (Version B, Mix Outtake)” starts off like the original but then takes a wild detour halfway through, trading Zappa’s extended guitar workout for a rollicking mix of rock and roll motifs crammed into an exhilarating three minutes.

This latest outtake comes on the heels of the recently released non-music track, “What Is 200 Motels,” culled from the 200 Motels commercial and trailer recording session, recorded in November 1971, and featuring Frank Zappa, Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman and Jim Pons parodying a news interview about the surrealistic documentary film. This track, available on Disc 5: 200 Motels – Alternates and Outtakes, followed the October release of “Mystery Roach” (Dialog Protection Reel) taken from Disc 3, which houses the “Dialog Protection Reels.” Found in the Vault, these work in progress tracks reveal an early version of the movie. The music mixes are in mono and were created before Zappa went into Whitney Studios for over-dubbing and sweetening.

STREAM/SHARE “MAGIC FINGERS (VERSION B, MIX OUTTAKE)”

STREAM/SHARE “WHAT IS 200 MOTELS”

STREAM/SHARE “MYSTERY ROACH” (DIALOG PROTECTION REEL)

PRE-ORDER 200 MOTELS 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Fully authorized by the Zappa Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers, the expansive 200 Motels 50th Anniversary Edition is a definitive super deluxe six-disc box set of the beloved, yet hard to find, soundtrack that has been lovingly assembled in celebration of the film and soundtrack’s golden anniversary. The six-disc set will be housed in a 64-page hardcover book in a handsome 12” x 12” slipcase. The packaging replicates the original booklet updated with revealing new liner notes from Pamela Des Barres, Ruth Underwood and Joe Travers, as well as Patrick Pending’s essay from the 1997 reissue, and is chock full of motion picture artwork, stills and images, from the film and its making, many which have never been seen before. This must-have collector’s release will also include a custom “200 Motels” keychain and Do-No-Disturb motel door hanger and a full-size replica of the original movie poster. Years in the making, all the audio was meticulously identified and transferred over several years as Travers dug through the Vault to create a new high resolution 96K/24B digital patchwork stereo master from the original analog tapes. The Vault material was mastered by John Polito in 2021.

Discs 1 and 2 feature the remastered soundtrack with the second half of the second disc consisting of demos and demo outtakes; two of the many highlights from these sessions include unreleased alt mixes and alt takes of the Chunga’s Revenge tunes, “Road Ladies” and “Tell Me You Love Me.” Discs 3 and 4 contain the “Dialog Protection Reels,” which reveal an early version of the movie, while Disc 5 and 6 present unreleased outtakes, alternates and historical nuggets sequenced in the order of the original shooting script, the way Zappa originally envisioned before he ran into time and budget constraints. These illuminating discs reveal Zappa’s original intent for the film for the first time.

The remastered 200 Motels soundtrack, by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, will also be reissued on vinyl as a 2LP pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and also as a limited edition red vinyl pressing on 180-gram vinyl, which will only be available exclusively through Zappa.com, uDiscoverMusic.com or SoundofVinyl.com. Both will be pressed by Optimal Media in Germany and be the first time the album has been available on vinyl in decades. The soundtrack will also be released on 2CD and all formats will include a smaller version of the movie poster. Additionally, the entire Super Deluxe Edition box set will be available digitally for streaming and download, marking the soundtrack’s digital debut, in both standard and hi-res audio. Pre-order for all configurations is available now.

Released in October 1971, Frank Zappa’s “200 Motels” was a miraculous feat, a cinematic collision of the venerated musician and composer’s kaleidoscopic musical and visual worlds that brought together Zappa and his band, The Mothers, Ringo Starr as Zappa – as “a large dwarf” – Keith Moon as a perverted nun, Pamela Des Barres in her acting debut, noted thespian Theodore Bikel, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and an incredible assortment of characters (both on screen and off) for a “surrealistic documentary” about the bizarre life of a touring musician. A heady, psychedelic stew of low and high brow art forms, the film, written by Zappa and co-directed by him and Tony Palmer, mixed together irreverent comedic skits, madcap satire, eye-popping animation and virtuosic on-screen musical performances from both The Mothers and the RPO for a fascinating and free-wheeling multimedia extravaganza. Shot in just 10 days with a budget of around $650,000 from distributor United Artists, “200 Motels” was one of the first movies to be filmed entirely on videotape and Zappa and crew pushed the envelope of the burgeoning new medium’s possibilities, mostly notably through its use of spectacular – and at the time – state-of-the-art visual effects. Described by Zappa as “at once a reportage of real events and an extrapolation of them… other elements include ‘conceptual by-products’ of the extrapolated ‘real event’ … In some ways the contents of the film are autobiographical,” “200 Motels” was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a “a stunning achievement” with “just the right touch of insanity,” and the “Zaniest piece of filmusical fantasy-comedy since The Beatles' ‘A Hard Day's Night’” by Daily Variety.

The music, and its corresponding soundtrack, was equally diverse, a wild pastiche of avant garde rock and orchestral compositions interspersed with dialog from the film. Up until that time, compositions like the finale piece, “Strictly Genteel,” were some of the most ambitious material ever written and recorded by Zappa. The band in the film and on the soundtrack consisted of Frank Zappa (guitar & bass), Mark Volman (vocals & special material), Howard Kaylan (vocals & special material), Ian Underwood (keyboards & winds), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), George Duke (keyboards & trombone), Martin Lickert (bass), Jimmy Carl Black (vocals), and Ruth Underwood (orchestra drum set), not to mention the aforementioned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In true Zappa fashion as he wrote in the album’s original liner notes, “This music is not in the same order as in the movie. Some of this music is in the movie. Some of this music is not in the movie. Some of the music that’s in the movie is not in the album. Some of the music that was written for the movie is not in the movie or the album. All of this music was written for the movie, over a period of 4 years. Most of it (60%) was written in motels while touring.”

Putting together this 50th anniversary edition was a labor intensive process that bore fruit at nearly every turn as Travers dug through Zappa’s expansive archives to put together this exhaustive edition. As Travers writes in the liners, “During this search and seizure mission, I was able to unearth a multitude of audio treasures from a very large number of tapes. Original demos, session outtakes, alternate mixes and versions, and even dialog reels that captured an edit of the film that predates the final assembly which eventually made it to theaters everywhere in 1971.” Amongst the gems discovered include a number of ¼-inch reel-to-reel tapes that were made at Trident Studios during February of ’71, which  contain rough mixes of nearly everything that was recorded on multi-track. As Travers explains, “they reflect raw performances, as they happened before FZ would get a hold of the multi-track masters and bring them to Whitney Studios in Glendale for over-dubs and sweetening. The Trident tapes allow us to hear music that did not make the film, or the final soundtrack album. They also helped us to reconstruct pieces of music like ‘The Pleated Gazelle’ or ‘What’s The Name Of Your Group?’ into their full sequences per the score. Over the years, even Frank himself forgot the sheer amount of music that actually did get recorded. All of the archiving for this 50th Anniversary set has produced incredible amounts of content that we would never had known existed otherwise.”

Following last year’s 50th anniversaries of the era-defining albums, Tea for the Tillerman and Mona Bone Jakon, Yusuf / Cat Stevens is celebrating the succeeding album that immortalized his status as a forerunner in the singer-songwriter movement – the 1971 multi-platinum selling landmark record, Teaser and the Firecat – with a suite of 50th anniversary editions, available now via A&M/UMe.

Cat Stevens achieved phenomenal success with his early work, but it was Teaser and the Firecat, his third LP with Island Records – A&M in the U.S. – that propelled Cat Stevens into superstardom, spawning some of his most unforgettable hits including “Moonshadow,” “Peace Train” and “Morning Has Broken,” songs by a youthful spiritual seeker, wise beyond his years that would lay the pretext for a poignant new wave of soulful troubadours and poets. Later, “The Wind” would see Teaser and the Firecat celebrated anew, rising to prominence following the song’s use in Wes Anderson’s much celebrated film “Rushmore” as well as the Oscar-winning Cameron Crowe film, “Almost Famous.” Through his spell-binding gift for songwriting and his introspective vision, Cat delivered a universal sense of hope and peace in Teaser and the Firecat that still resonates profoundly to this day.

Teaser and the Firecat walked tall in what was a year of classic albums and events that would echo down the decades. The 12 months of 1971 was a transitional year in pop culture in which the album joined John Lennon’s Imagine, David Bowie’s Hunky Dory, Joni Mitchell’s Blue, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers and Led Zeppelin IV as the soundtrack to the momentous 500,000 strong anti-Vietnam war March on Washington D.C., the largest demonstration against US war in history, and the “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden, New York City which saw Joe Frazer hand Muhammad Ali his first ever defeat. With the '60s now in the rear-view mirror – The Beatles gone, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin having already passed on, and Jim Morrison tragically joining their number in July '71 – there was a distinct mood of change in the air. Along with burgeoning heavy rock and the socially-conscious R&B of Funkadelic and Sly And The Family Stone, it was the era of the poetical singer-songwriter. As well as being part of this latter movement, Cat Stevens was himself inspired by it.

Half a century later, Teaser and the Firecat has been given the ultimate treatment in a brand new Super Deluxe Edition set; the most in-depth and definitive version of the album possible. Presented in a remastering of Yusuf’s original artwork, the release includes: 41 previously unreleased audio tracks and 21 live video performances on disc for the first time, amongst an entire CD and LP of studio demos and alternate mixes; a stunning 44-page, 12” soft cover replica of the original Teaser and the Firecat book, hand written and illustrated by Yusuf in 1972, and now featuring text in 10 languages; and a 108-page hard-cover 12” essay book, alongside a host of other rarities across 4CDs, Blu-Ray, 2 LPs and 7” vinyl. The set is presented in a rigid clamshell box and is the latest in a series of boxsets - so far consisting of Back To Earth, Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman - that celebrate the albums in full depth with the direct involvement and direction of Yusuf and his son Yoriyos, who curates and designs each boxset.

Also now available is a slimmed down version of the Super Deluxe Edition, including the 108-page book in a soft cover format, along with the 4CDs and Blu-ray, housed in a rigid slipcase. Other 50th Anniversary reissue formats include a 2CD Deluxe Edition, plus 1CD and 1LP Remasters.

The 50th anniversary remaster of the album was mixed by David Hefti on CD and LP, the Super Deluxe Edition also includes a CD of previously unreleased studio material and bonus tracks, an alternate version of the album on LP, as well as a third and fourth CD featuring 23 live performances from 1971. The 50th anniversary remaster was completed at Abbey Road Studios, and was overseen by original album producer, Paul Samwell-Smith.

The set includes a remastered 7” single of "Moonshadow," backed with a previously unreleased Spike Milligan narration of the track from the 1977 Teaser and the Firecat animated video. The 50th anniversary edition also includes an exclusive vinyl LP, tracklisted with 5 live performances at Montreux in 1971 and six BBC Recordings, as well as a Blu-Ray disc featuring a restored version of the 1977 animated video for "Moonshadow," a live performance of “The Wind” from 2020, plus 21 live TV performances.

Also featured in the collection is “Bitterblue²,” a newly recorded and never-before-heard version of the classic Teaser album track. Yusuf’s rich vocal, sung a full octave lower than the original, imparts a new sense of experience and gravity to the song whose lyrics seem to resonate with a whole new level of meaning: “I’ve been waiting a long time/To be back beyond.”

Ahead of the 50th anniversary Teaser and the Firecat celebrations, 2021 has seen Yusuf / Cat Stevens partner with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds to produce “Peace Train,” a children’s book celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the iconic song's original release. Featuring joyful illustrations and the timeless lyrics of the much-loved peace anthem, this hopeful picture book – now a New York Times bestseller itself – continues Yusuf’s commitment to children’s education and shared love for people of all cultures and identities.

Elsewhere, July 2021 saw a special Record Store Day release of the 1971 “Harold And Maude” soundtrack, featuring iconic songs from Tea for the Tillerman and Mona Bone Jakon alongside two new compositions for the film, “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out” and “Don’t Be Shy.”

Teaser and the Firecat 50th Anniversary Editions are available now via A&M/UMe. Full format details are listed below.

4CD/Blu-ray/2LP/7” SUPER DELUXE EDITION BOX SET

CD1: Teaser and the Firecat (50th Anniversary Remaster)

    The Wind

    Rubylove

    If I Laugh
    Changes IV
    How Can I Tell You
    Tuesday's Dead
    Morning Has Broken
    Bitterblue
    Moonshadow
    Peace Train

CD2: Demos, Alternate Versions, Bonus Tracks

    The Wind (Dubville Sessions 2020)

    Rubylove (Studio Demo)

    If I Laugh (Studio Demo)
    Changes IV (Alternate Mix, 1971)
    How Can I Tell You (Studio Demo)
    Tuesday's Dead (Studio Demo)
    Morning Has Broken (Basing Street Rehearsal)
    Bitterblue (Basing Street Rehearsal)
    Moonshadow (Olympic Studio Demo, 1970)
    Peace Train (Extended String Mix, 1971)
    The Day They Make Me Tsar (Studio Demo)
    I Want To Live In A Wigwam
    Fisherman Song (Studio Demo)
    Changes IV (Studio Demo)
    Tuesday's Dead (Alternate Mix, 1971)
    Morning Has Broken (Studio Demo)
    Bitterblue² (Reimagined 2021)

CD3: Live On Air, UK, 1971

    Moonshadow (BBC Radio Session, 8th November 1970)
    Tuesday's Dead (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    How Can I Tell You (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    Peace Train (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    Moonshadow (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    Bitterblue (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    Moonshadow (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Where Do The Children Play? (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Longer Boats (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Tuesday's Dead (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Sad Lisa (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Hard Headed Woman (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    Father and Son (Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends, Yorkshire Television, 7th September 1971)
    If I Laugh (The Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC TV, 5th October 1971)
    Changes IV (The Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC TV, 5th October 1971)
    Moonshadow (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)
    Tuesday's Dead (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)
    How Can I Tell You (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)
    Bitterblue (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)
    Changes IV (Cat Stevens In Concert, BBC TV, 27th November 1971)  

CD4: Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971

    Intro (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Hard Headed Woman (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    On The Road To Find Out (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Wild World (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Longer Boats (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Maybe You're Right (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Sad Lisa (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Miles From Nowhere (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Katmandu (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Lady D'Arbanville (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Father And Son (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Where Do The Children Play? (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)
    Peace Train (Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971)

BLU-RAY

HD 24bit/48kHz audio

Teaser and the Firecat (50th Anniversary Remaster)  

    The Wind

    Rubylove

    If I Laugh
    Changes IV
    How Can I Tell You
    Tuesday's Dead
    Morning Has Broken
    Bitterblue
    Moonshadow
    Peace Train

VIDEO

    The Wind
    Moonshadow

Cat Stevens Live In Montreux, Switzerland (2nd May 1971)

    Longer Boats

    Sad Lisa

    Wild World

    Katmandu

    Lady D'Arbanville
    Where Do The Children Play?
    Peace Train

Out Front: Cat Stevens And Friends (Yorkshire TV) (7th September 1971)

    Moonshadow
    Where Do The Children Play?
    Longer Boats
    Tuesday's Dead

    Sad Lisa

    Hard Headed Woman
    Father And Son

The Old Grey Whistle Test (BBC TV) (5th October 1971)

    If I Laugh
    Changes IV

Cat Stevens In Concert (BBC TV) (27th November 1971)

    Moon Shadow
    Tuesday's Dead
    How Can I Tell You
    Bitterblue
    Changes IV

LP1: TEASER AND THE FIRECAT (ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS)

SIDE 1

    The Wind (Dubville Sessions 2020)

    Rubylove (Studio Demo)

    If I Laugh (Studio Demo)
    Changes IV (Studio Demo)
    How Can I Tell You (Studio Demo)

SIDE 2

    Tuesday's Dead (Studio Demo)
    Morning Has Broken (Basing Street Rehearsal)
    Bitterblue (Basing Street Rehearsal)
    Moonshadow (Olympic Studio Demo, 1970)
    Peace Train (Extended String Mix, 1971)

LP2: LIVE 1971

SIDE 1: Live In Montreux, 2nd May 1971

    Hard Headed Woman
    Wild World
    Lady D'Arbanville
    Father And Son
    Peace Train

SIDE 2: Live At The BBC, 1971

    Moonshadow (BBC Radio Session, 23rd March 1971)
    If I Laugh (The Old Grey Whistle Test, 5th October 1971)
    Tuesday's Dead (Cat Stevens In Concert, 27th November 1971)
    How Can I Tell You (Cat Stevens In Concert, 27th November 1971)
    Bitterblue (Cat Stevens In Concert, 27th November 1971)
    Changes IV (Cat Stevens In Concert, 27th November 1971)

7" SINGLE

    Moonshadow
    Spike Milligan narration

Throughout his brief but influential life, Charlie “Bird” Parker made an enormous impact on popular music as one of the architects of modern jazz. The jazz titan, inarguably one of the greatest saxophonists of all time, grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and spent much of his adult life in New York, but Los Angeles nonetheless looms large in his musical life as he spent more time in L.A. than anywhere outside of K.C. and N.Y. From 1945-1954, Parker made half a dozen trips to the City of Angels and recorded many of his greatest musical triumphs there. In December 1945, Parker and Dizzy Gillespie changed music forever by bringing the sound of bebop from the East Coast to the West Coast for a fabled two-month residency at Billy Berg’s Supper Club in Hollywood billed as “Bebop Invades the West.” Entranced by the city, Parker would end up staying for an extended amount of time in which he gigged all around town, was recorded at a Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP) concert and made some pivotal recordings for the nascent Dial label before he was committed to Camarillo State Mental Hospital for a six-month stint for his heroin addiction, following a drug-fueled physical and mental collapse at the infamous July 29, 1946 “Lover Man” session. Shortly after being released in January 1947, Bird would stick around a few more months, which included a well-documented two-week engagement at the Hi-De-Ho Club, before heading back to NYC. He would return to L.A. four more times, briefly in November 1948 with JATP, for a three-month stay during the summer of 1952, and for shorter visits in 1953 and 1954.

For the first-time ever, Charlie Parker’s prolific and historic first three trips to Los Angeles have been collected together as Bird In L.A., a 28-track collection of mostly unreleased and incredibly rare recordings that is being released on 2CD or 4LP black vinyl, exclusively as an RSD First for Record Store Day Black Friday, November 26th. The albums will be available at participating independent record shops or available to order online from select retailers. Visit recordstoreday.com to find participating locations.

Recorded between 1945 and 1952, the performances collected on Bird In L.A, and presented chronologically, are highlighted by the only known recordings from Billy Berg’s on December 17, 1945, three previously unknown JATP recordings from the Shrine Auditorium on November 22, 1948 and the complete recordings of the legendary July 1952 party at Jirayr Zorthian’s bohemian Altadena ranch. The collection includes comprehensive track info detailing recording dates and personnel and is rounded out with illuminating liner notes by the album’s producer, John Burton, who provides an in-depth history of Bird’s fruitful time in L.A. as well as the significance of these incredible recordings.

Although Bird and Dizzy performed at Billy Berg’s for a two month stretch, no recordings of the performances have ever surfaced until now, despite being broadcast live on local radio. These recordings, capturing a cross-section of the December 17th program, presented here for the first time in their entirety and mastered from the original discs, come from a pair of homemade 10-inch acetate discs discovered by Bird detectives extraordinaire Bob Bregman and Norman Saks, aka “Yardbird, Inc.” As Burton exclaims in the liners, “What follows is, in my opinion, among the most incredible of all Parker recordings, alone worth the purchase of this set. Instead of the rapid unison line ‘Ornithology,’ Gillespie and Bird play the traditional ‘How High the Moon’ theme, but in a call and response fashion that is quite rare in their recorded collaborations. Bird begins his solo with staccato notes that are like the stomping of a foot to get attention before he unleashes a perfectly executed flurry leading into a lyrical solo blown with such strength that one hears the distortion as the home recorder red-lines. At the end of the first chorus Gillespie exhorts “Go, go, go, go!” and Bird takes another chorus before a chorus by Jackson and then a fiery solo by Gillespie, cut short at the end of its first chorus when the cutter ran out of space.”

The first half of Bird In LA also includes recordings from Parker and Gillespie’s performance for the Armed Forces Radio Service “Jubilee” show in December 1945; a compact arrangement of “Salt Peanuts” from NBC’s nationally broadcast variety show “Drene Time,” sponsored by Proctor and Gamble to promote Drene shampoo; five songs recorded at The Finale Club in Little Tokyo with the Charlie Parker Quintet, featuring Miles Davis and Joe Albany; a blistering version of “Cherokee” recorded for the AFRS “Jubilee” in March or April 1946 with accompaniment of the Nat “King” Cole Trio and Buddy Rich; and concludes with three previously unknown recordings of Bird at The Shrine with Jazz At The Philharmonic. While the performance has been widely panned for being substandard for Parker, it is included here for historical reasons or as Burton explains, “Because they are Bird. Every surviving fragment by this giant should be available for study. Off nights such as the Shrine help us appreciate and understand his greatest achievements all the better.”

The second half of this riveting musical time capsule captures two performances from Jirayr Zorthian’s ranch in Altadena: the now infamous July 14, 1952 party where it’s alleged Parker, his bandmates and most of the audience stripped off their clothes at a rowdy late night gathering at Zorthian’s 27-acre hilltop ranch, located in the foothills above Pasadena, and a second performance two weeks later, with a young 22-year-old Chet Baker on trumpet, in one of his first recordings. Zorthian, an eccentric artist who passed away in 2004 at 92 following a life that included surviving the Armenian genocide as a child and graduating from Yale, loved to talk about that fateful fete. As he once personally regaled Burton, the party was held on a Monday when the musicians were not working and Bird who arrived characteristically late insisted on skinny dipping in the ranch swimming pool before playing. Several songs into the band’s performance, which included spirited version of “A Night In Tunisia” and “Ornithology,” Zorthian yells out “take it off” and Bird obliges, leading to many others to disrobe and making a wild party even wilder. The performance was recorded by the brother of Bird’s friend, the artist Julie McDonald, and it was sourced from Zorthian’s personal second-generation tape recording.

The Zorthian party, along with many of Parker’s other L.A. adventures are brought to vivid life in Z2 Comics' innovative graphic novel, “Chasin' the Bird,” released to widespread acclaimed last year in honor of Parker’s 100th birthday. Beautifully told by writer/artist Dave Chisholm and colored by DreamWorks Animation Director Peter Markowski, the novel adapts one of the sunnier, but darker chapters in the life of Bird as it explores Bird’s relationship with the characters and events he encountered during his time in L.A. including recording some of his signature songs, a brief but influential stay at the home of famed jazz photographer William Claxton, and many others who found themselves in the orbit of the jazz genius.

Experienced together, Bird In L.A. serves as the perfect soundtrack and companion piece to the graphic novel. On its own, the emergence of the rare recordings on Bird In L.A. represent a major cultural event and a significant addition to the Parker catalog.

In celebration of Impulse! Records’ 60th anniversary this year, famed director and photographer, Atiba Jefferson, has created an engaging short film about the significance and continued cultural relevance of the orange-and-black record label known as the House That Trane Built. Titled “6 on 60,” the mini doc features interviews with six artists from a variety of fields spanning the worlds of jazz, punk, funk, rock and skateboarding: legendary jazz stalwart Ahmad Jamal, who released some of his best records on Impulse! throughout the late ‘60s and early ‘70s; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bassist, Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers; noted vinyl enthusiast, radio show host and seminal punk rocker, Henry Rollins; professional skateboarder, photographer and musician, Ray Barbee, and contemporary artists Brandee Younger and Shabaka Hutchings of Sons of Kemet, representing the new vanguard of jazz and the new class of Impulse! Records.

“Impulse has been the soundtrack to my life, from my childhood to today, and I still play these records daily,” says Atiba Jefferson. “As a photographer I was always captivated by the photography and design—like everything about Impulse it has only gotten better with age. I had the idea to tell the stories of people and how they related to Impulse’s amazing 60-year history. I wanted to tell these narratives from the perspective of people from disparate worlds, from skateboarding to punk to funk to even the label’s artists of today and yesterday. It’s a story that is still being told and I’m glad to be able to help share it.”

Watch “6 on 60” here:

For 60 years, the legendary Impulse! Records has been home to the greatest jazz artists of all time, including John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Archie Shepp, Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Quincy Jones, and more. The orange-and-black imprint was a cultural beacon of progressivism, spiritualism, and activism throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the label thrives with an exciting new wave of jazz artists including Shabaka Hutchings, Sons of Kemet, The Comet Is Coming, Brandee Younger, Ted Poor and more.

Marking today's 50th anniversary of the December 7, 1971 release of Paul McCartney and Wings' Wild Life, UMe announces the February 4, 2022 reissue of Wings' debut LP as a limited edition half-speed mastered vinyl pressing. Pre-Order the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition of Wild Life HERE.

Following the eclectic charm and intimacy of 1970's solo McCartney and 1971's homespun lo-fi indie-pop progenitor RAM credited to Paul and Linda McCartney, Wild Life found Paul once again redefining his post-Beatles creative identity, this time beginning his tenure as a founding member of Wings. A rollicking left turn from its predecessors, Wild Life was recorded in barely more than a week, with more than half of the songs captured in a single take. The end result would be eight songs running the gamut from joyous freewheeling jams to proto-chamber pop to spare introspective musings — all bristling with a raw, jagged energy akin to the grungiest of garage bands—whether on the careening blues-rock rave-up of opener "Mumbo," a reggae-tinged reimagining of Mickey & Sylvia's "Love Is Strange," or the plaintive and heart wrenching ballad "Dear Friend."

Cracking the top 10 and going gold in the US, Wild Life faced an admittedly uphill battle as the debut of Paul's first post-Beatles band. In a recent reassessment, Billboard noted that modern-day Wild Life listeners "can throw out all this cultural baggage and just enjoy the tunes… by not reaching for any obvious Beatles tropes, Wings achieved something fresh and inviting…" And in fact, Wild Life would prove to be the first spark of the Wings phenomenon that would develop and flourish into one of the defining sounds of '70s rock n roll. The streak of #1 albums from Red Rose Speedway, Band On The Run, Venus And Mars, At The Speed Of Sound through the 3LP live opus Wings Over America, and the sold-out shows that provided the blueprint for the '70s arena rock experience—can all be traced back to the big bang of those first eight months during which Wings would form, release Wild Life in December 1971 and play their first-ever live shows in February 1972.

Fifty years since its release, the original motion picture soundtrack for Hal Ashby’s 1971 classic cult film “Harold and Maude,” made up exclusively of songs by Cat Stevens, will be released on February 11th, 2022 in new 180g 1LP / 1CD / Digital release formats via A&M/Cat-O-Log/UMe. The new edition of the soundtrack will combine Cat Stevens’ nine original songs, as well as dialogue from the film, for the first time.

Hal Ashby’s 1971 film about the unlikely friendship-turned-love story of suicidal teenager Harold Chasen (played by Bud Cort) and 79-year-old free spirit Maude (played by Ruth Gordon) is now widely praised as a bona fide cult classic. Filled with dark humor and existential drama, the film represents the potentially glorious benefits that can arise from a balanced partnership between conservative pragmatism and colorful free-spirited idealism. It reveals the deep lying synergy that exists between seemingly opposing views and how, when united, they can flourish to their mutual advantage.

The movie’s success and cult status has in part been bolstered by its whimsical and poignant soundtrack, in which all songs are performed by Cat Stevens. Originally not wanting to release the soundtrack in fear of it being perceived as a “greatest hits” album in the early days of his career, film director Hal Ashby had to do some convincing. Having listened to songs from landmark albums Mona Bone Jakon and Tea For The Tillerman whilst editing “Harold and Maude,” Ashby knew from the start that he wanted exclusively Stevens’ songs to sonically narrate his film, and after a significant campaign, Ashby won Stevens over and thus, the soundtrack was brought to life.

Speaking about the experience, Yusuf/Cat Stevens remembers:

“‘Harold and Maude’ was a total experience. My manager said he had a book called ‘Harold and Maude,’ Colin Higgins wrote it and Paramount were making a film of it and they wanted to use some of my music. I said, ‘Okay, I’ll read the book.’ I couldn’t put it down. I was laughing so much, right into the night. This odd character, Harold, experimenting with death, experimenting with his own concept of non-existence so he wouldn't have to suffer his mother barking at him all the time. It was great,and satisfied my own particular love of the out-of-the-ordinary.

I eventually went over to San Francisco where they were making the film and I met Hal Ashby, the director and my music was flowing everywhere, in the rushes.

Hal Ashby looked like a guru, very kind of bedraggled beard and nicotine-stained moustache and zappy eyes, but he was a soft character, a very soft character. He was almost like Jimi Hendrix in that respect. A gentle soul.

So we had to make a deal and we did make a deal, but I said, ‘But you’re not putting out a soundtrack,’ and the reason for that was it would have sounded like a collection of greatest hits from Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman. I said, ‘I don’t want to do a Greatest Hits yet.’ So I never allowed them to put out the soundtrack, but I did write two songs for that. I did the demo in San Francisco and I always meant to do them properly but no, Hal puts them straight into the film and that was it, locked away. I’m saying, ‘no, no, no, it’s not finished!’ but I love those recordings now because they’re so raw.”

Seven songs from the two 1970 Island/A&M Cat Stevens albums were included on the soundtrack: “On The Road To Find Out,” “I Wish, I Wish,” “Miles From Nowhere,” “Tea for the Tillerman,” “I Think I See The Light,” “Trouble,” and “Where Do The Children Play?” Two non-album tracks were also added into the mix: “Don’t Be Shy,” and what became the movie’s unofficial theme, “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out.” These songs would go unreleased until the 1984 Footsteps In The Dark collection, and were later included in the 2001 On The Road To Find Out box set. The Harold and Maude official soundtrack album was first issued in 2007 by Cameron Crowe’s independent label, Vinyl Films. Produced only on LP in super limited quantities, on several different vinyl colors, those records are highly collectible today and trade for hundreds of dollars on Discogs and other fan sites.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the film’s release, the latest edition of the soundtrack will combine Cat Stevens’ nine original songs, as well as additional dialogue and instrumental music from the film for the first time. Previously unheard audio masters have been discovered in the Island Records/A&M archive for “Don’t Be Shy” and “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out,” and all audio has been remastered at world renowned Abbey Road Studios. This edition will also feature enhanced packaging including liner notes, lyrics, transcription of movie dialogue, and photos from the Paramount Pictures production.

Chris Cornell received a pair of posthumous nominations for the 2022 GRAMMY Awards, which will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday, January 31. Nominated for best rock album for “No One Sings Like You Anymore Vol. 1,” and best rock performance for “Nothing Compares 2 U,” No One Sings Like You Anymore Vol.1, is Chris Cornell’s handpicked collection of 10 cover songs, which he personally selected and sequenced to celebrate artists and songs that inspired him.

Recorded by Chris in 2016, the album is his last fully completed studio album and features his renditions of John Lennon’s “Watching The Wheels,” Ghostland Observatory’s “Sad Sad City,” Harry Nilsson’s “Jump Into The Fire,” Carl Hall’s “You Don’t Know Nothing About Love,” Electric Light Orchestra’s “Showdown,” Terry Reid’s “To Be Treated Rite,” Lorraine Ellison’s “Stay With Me Baby” (originally released for HBO’s show Vinyl), “Get It While You Can,” popularized by Janis Joplin, and a new studio recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” written by Prince. Chris’s cover of Gun’s & Roses“Patience” is also included on the album and earned him his first solo Billboard Number 1 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart.

All instruments on No One Sings Like You Anymore were played by Chris Cornell and Brendan O’Brien, who also produced & mixed the album. The album is a special gift for Chris’ fans and long-term supporters, but the Cornell family hopes that new fans and listeners will be inspired by Chris’ powerful and unique voice in these stunning renditions.  “Working with Chris on this record was one of the great joys of my life," O'Brien said. "We had a great time doing it and had plans to do more songs at some point.   I miss him very much and wish he were here to enjoy some of the recognition it’s getting.“

"This album is so special because it is a complete work of art that Chris created from start to finish. His choice of covers provides a personal look into his favorite artists and the songs that touched him. He couldn't wait to release it. This moment is bittersweet because he should be here doing it himself, but it is with both heartache and joy that we share this special album," said Vicky Cornell.  "All of us could use his voice to help heal and lift us this year, especially during the holiday season. I am so proud of him and this stunning record, which to me illustrates why he will always be beloved, honored, and one the greatest voices of our time," she added.

"When my dad was making this album, it was so fun - I remember waking up in the morning, having breakfast with him and going with him into the studio. We would take our piano lessons there, and Christopher would play video games with Brendan and my dad. We got to experience so much with him and have so many amazing memories. I'm really happy to be sharing this album. We love you, daddy," shared Toni Cornell.

With Christopher Cornell adding, "We had so much fun in the studio during this time, and on days off we'd go to Tree People and hike around there.  We would also play hide and go seek inside the Beverly Hills Hotel and when security would show up they would think it was so funny that my dad was running through fire escapes with us. For me this album represents who my dad was. I'm really proud of him and his work. I hope you all love this record as much as I do."

No One Sings Live You Anymore Track List

Get It While You Can

Jump Into The Fire

Sad Sad City

Patience

Nothing Compares 2 U

Watching The Wheels

You Don't Know Nothing About Love

Showdown

To Be Treated Rite

Stay With Me Baby

Click HERE for more information on No One Sings Like You Anymore

This holiday season, UMe has once again teamed up with legendary artists and estates to create official animated videos for some of the most beloved holiday songs in the Christmas canon from the likes of Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, The Jackson 5, Jimmy Durante, Marvin Gaye, and Nat King Cole. Most of the animated videos were produced by Fantoons Animation Studios, with Ella Fitzgerald’s “Sleigh Ride” created by the team at Pixel Park; The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” animated by Troy Browne and Chaz Bottoms, with puppets created by Adam Kreutinger and operated by puppeteers Alex Griffin and Jayden Libran; and Marvin Gaye’s “I Want To Come Home For Christmas” directed by Tim Fox and animated by Daniel Crossan. The videos span a variety of styles and themes and feature animators from all over the world putting their unique spin on the holidays.

In addition to the animated videos, several engaging lyric videos have been created for The Beach Boys’ “The Man With All The Toys,” Bing Crosby’s “Do You Hear What I Hear” and “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” Dean Martin’s “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” and Nat King Cole’s “The Happiest Christmas Tree,” which are perfect for holiday gathering sing-alongs.

WATCH/SHARE BING CROSBY’S “I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS” &
“THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY”
WATCH/SHARE BURL IVES’ “RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER”
WATCH/SHARE DEAN MARTIN’S “I’VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM”
WATCH/SHARE ELLA FITZGERALD’S “SLEIGH RIDE”
WATCH/SHARE FRANK SINATRA’S “HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS”
WATCH/SHARE THE JACKSON 5’S “SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN”
WATCH/SHARE JIMMY DURANTE’S “FROSTY THE SNOWMAN”
WATCH/SHARE MARVIN GAYE’S “I WANT TO COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”
WATCH/SHARE NAT KING COLE’S “O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL”

WATCH/SHARE THE BEACH BOYS’ “THE MAN WITH ALL THE TOYS” (LYRIC VIDEO)
WATCH/SHARE BING CROSBY’S “DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR” (LYRIC VIDEO) &
 “IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS” (LYRIC VIDEO)
WATCH/SHARE DEAN MARTIN’S “BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE” (LYRIC VIDEO)
WATCH/SHARE NAT KING COLE’S “THE HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS TREE” (LYRIC VIDEO)

“UMe has created a series of videos for many of UMG’s most cherished and enduring holiday hits as we partner with our artists once again to continue this tradition,” says Bruce Resnikoff, President and CEO of UMe, the global catalog company of UMG. “This year’s videos were created by directors and artists from around the world and embody the holiday spirit as these timeless songs have been reinterpreted in creative new ways.”

In the video for Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” viewers are taken on a Christmas voyage through the perspective of several generations of hopeful, hardworking family members, from the turn of the century to 1970s NYC to modern day, as they attempt to make it home for the holidays, while Bing serenades throughout the decades. In “The Little Drummer Boy,” a similar theme is told as a boy, away from his family, makes a meager living cleaning up backstage nightly. On a particularly depressing evening, as Christmas is fast approaching and the distance from his family becomes all the more somber, the boy transforms some rusty buckets and pails into a drum kit and the theatre, strewn with Crosby references, and its inanimate inhabitants come to life as he offers his sole and modest gift of drumming. In Burl Ives’ “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” a new chapter is added to one of the most famous Christmas tales of all as Rudolph Jr. saves Christmas after the blinking Neurological Observational Sensor Equipment (N.O.S.E.) malfunctions, forcing Rudolph to spring into action just like his famous father.

Dean Martin is recruited by Santa and Mrs. Claus to handle Christmas duties while they sneak off for a tropical vacation in the hilarious video for “I’ve Got My Love To Keep You Warm,” which features Dean brought to life through an ingenious mix of photo collages and ‘60s-era animation. Meanwhile, in the video for The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus Is Coming Town,” a delightful hybrid of puppetry and animation, Santa more than embraces his duties and saves the world by gleefully delivering presents and the Christmas spirit around the globe to magically transform people and the areas that need his help the most. Ella Fitzgerald’s “Sleigh Ride” takes viewers on a striking visual adventure around the globe with many “Easter Eggs” to be found along the way from throughout Ella’s career.

Written and co-directed by David Calcano of Fantoons, the video for Frank Sinatra’s “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” beautifully tells Calcano’s personal story, which is really the universal story about missing home and family during the holidays after leaving one’s country in search of a better life, in his case leaving Venezuela for the U.S. The video, which states in the credits is “Dedicated To Those Who Had To Leave Their Home… Looking For A Better Life,” has gone viral in Latin America and has struck a chord with people around the world who have been sharing their own stories in the thousands of YouTube comments. Jimmy Durante tells a different kind of story in the video for “Frosty the Snowman” which features a larger than life Frosty in this modern, whimsical take on the classic tale. The video for Marvin Gaye’s poignant “I Want To Come Home For Christmas” takes on a more solemn and serious tone as Gaye, depicted as a cab driver during the holidays, drives around the city and helps veterans, as the light on his taxi reads, get “home for Christmas.” Written and recorded in 1972 about supporting America’s prisoners of war and told from a soldier’s perspective, the song was released posthumously in 2019 on the Motown/UMe album, You’re the Man. The video premiered on Veteran’s Day in partnership with the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

To celebrate the unifying spirit of Christmas, Nat King Cole’s “O Come All Ye Faithful” has brought together 20 different visual styles from artists all over the world to tell “The Greatest Story Ever Told” with their distinctive interpretations. The story of the birth of Christ has been uniquely illustrated by 27 artists from 15 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, USA and Venezuela.

For those looking for more holiday entertainment, The Ed Sullivan Show’s Official YouTube Channel will be adding classic performances to The Ed Sullivan Show holiday playlist from its archives of seasonal favorites all month long, including “The Christmas Song” by Dolores Gray, “Baby’s First Christmas” by Connie Francis, “Jingle Bells” by Shari Lewis and her adorable sidekicks, Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse; cherished standards “Ave Maria” by Joselito, a medley by Sandler & Young singing “Do You Hear What I Hear? / Silent Night / O Holy Night,” the Mexican Boystown Choir with “Auld Lang Syne;” and a holiday-themed medley from Bobby Sherman. The videos also will be available here: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheEdSullivanShow

These videos are just some of the many ways that UMe is celebrating its unmatched Christmas catalog and helping to turn up the joy this holiday season. A variety of new thematic digital collections are available to stream now on your favorite streaming service and include the “Christmas For Kids” series, which features classic Christmas songs specially curated for children of all ages from the likes of Bing Crosby, Burl Ives and Peggy Lee; “Christmas Carols” from Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, and 98°; a pair of George Straight “Strait To Christmas” collections, “Classics” and “Holiday Jams;” and a variety of other sets from Dean Martin (“White Christmas,” “Let It Snow”), Nat King Cole (“Joy To The World”), and 98° (“Festive Christmas”).

Also available for your streaming pleasure is UMe's Christmas playlist, which features some of the most popular songs and artists across the holiday music canon, pairing timeless classics with contemporary favorites. The hours-long –and ever-expanding – playlist is available now for streaming on Spotify and Apple. Listen here: https://stream.lnk.to/ChristmasPR

uDiscover Music is also getting into the spirit with their just launched holiday hub which includes a variety of gift guides for all types of music lovers, eclectic playlists and the memorable stories behind classic holiday tunes. Visit it here: https://www.udiscovermusic.com/christmas/

The Band’s classic fourth album, Cahoots, is now available in a variety of newly remixed, remastered and expanded 50th Anniversary Edition packages, including a multi-format Super Deluxe 2CD/Blu-ray/1LP/7-inch vinyl box set along with digital, 2CD, 180-gram half-speed-mastered black vinyl and limited-edition 180-gram black vinyl packages via Capitol/UMe. The suite of releases, celebrating the album’s 50th anniversary, were overseen by guitarist and principal songwriter Robbie Robertson and sport a new stereo mix by Bob Clearmountain from the original multi-track masters. The box set, CD and digital configurations boast a bevy of unreleased recordings, including Live at the Olympia Theatre, Paris, May 1971, a rousing bootleg partial concert consisting of 11 tracks culled from the initial throes of a European tour that found The Band perched at the top of their live game; and early and alternate versions of “Endless Highway” and “When I Paint My Masterpiece” along with six other early takes, outtakes, instrumentals, and stripped-down mixes. Listen or purchase now here: https://theband.lnk.to/Cahoots50thPR

Fans around the world are invited to listen to the new mix of Cahoots together for a Tim’s Twitter Listening Party on Wednesday, December 15th at 1 pm PST/4 pm EST/9 pm GMT. The special simultaneous listening event will feature The Band’s Robbie Robertson sharing memories and stories about recording the album via Twitter. For more info or to take part, visit timstwitterlisteningparty.com

Exclusively for the box set, Clearmountain has created new Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround-sound mixes of both the album and four bonus tracks, presented in high resolution on Blu-ray, alongside the new stereo mix. Every new audio mix has been mastered by Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering. The lift-top box set also includes an exclusive reproduction of the Japanese pressing of The Band’s 1971 7-inch vinyl single for “Life Is A Carnival” b/w “The Moon Struck One” in their new stereo mixes; a 20-page booklet with new notes by Robbie Robertson and extensive insider liner notes by Rob Bowman; three classic photo lithographs, one each by Barry Feinstein, Richard Avedon (his infamous eyes-closed group portrait from the back cover) and noted New York artist/illustrator Gilbert Stone (who painted the still stunning stretched-out portrait of The Band on the album’s front cover); plus a wealth of additional material and other historical data from the original recordings sessions. The limited-edition 180-gram black vinyl release that features a tip-on jacket also contains a photo lithograph by Barrie Wentzell that’s unique to the package.

As with the acclaimed 50th anniversary collections for the winning trio of Music From Big Pink, the self-titled record and Stage Fright, Clearmountain and Robertson’s approach to remixing Cahoots was undertaken with the utmost care and respect for the music and what The Band represents. That said, Robertson’s instructions for how his right-hand mixing partner should handle the Cahoots mixes possessed one key difference: Robertson wanted Clearmountain to transform them based on what he felt was lacking from the original mixes. As Clearmountain shares in the liners, “Robbie told me, ‘Just think of the original mixes as rough mixes. Pretty much don’t pay attention to the mixes themselves.’” This directive gave Clearmountain the leeway to unclutter some of the album’s original arrangements, all with Robertson’s blessing: “In the beginning of these sessions, we didn’t know if we were making another Basement Tapes where nobody would hear the music or if we were actually making a real record,” Robertson admits. Though Robertson felt the first three Band records wound up sounding better due to a combination of how today’s technology actually enhances the limitations of yesterday’s technology, he doubled down with his instructions to Clearmountain for Cahoots: “I told Bob, ‘There are no rules. So, every mix we do, I want to start from scratch. I don’t even want to listen to the original. I want to listen to the way we hear it now and be fearless and experimental with it.”

Clearly, Clearmountain took Robertson’s wishes to heart not only in terms of his 2021 stereo mix – as is instantly evident in the greater clarity of the punch of the drums and bass and how putting guitar and organ lines a bit back in the mix enables certain vocal elements to be more out front – but most especially in terms of the breadth so readily apparent in his groundbreaking Dolby Atmos mix, a first for The Band’s core catalog. In his Atmos mix of Cahoots, Clearmountain puts the listener dead-center and smack dab in the middle of the band in the most “you-are-there” fashion imaginable. Concludes Robertson, “This is what I really meant. This is the honesty of this now. This is a trip. This is something special.”

When The Band pulled into the unfinished Bearsville Sounds Studios in Bearsville, New York in early 1971 to record Cahoots, their fourth studio album in as many years, they were still basking in the success of and acclaim for their first three history-making records. The Band’s landmark debut album, July 1968’s Music From Big Pink, drew inspiration from the American roots music melting pot of country, blues, R&B, gospel, soul, rockabilly, the honking tenor sax tradition, hymns, funeral dirges, brass band music, folk and good ol’ rock ’n’ roll to foment a timeless new style that forever changed the course of popular music. When they released their seminal eponymous second album, The Band, the following year in September 1969 – or “The Brown Album,” as it would lovingly be called – not much more was known about the reclusive group. Even so, August 1970’s Stage Fright, recorded over 12 days on the stage of the Woodstock Playhouse in upstate New York, cemented the fulfilled promise of those initial back-to-back albums that solidified The Band as one of the most exciting and revolutionary groups of the late 1960s, who were able to carry their avowed excellence directly into the 1970s without interruption.

Indeed, The Band, made up of four Canadians and one American, was still purposefully shrouded in mystery at the turn of the decade, allowing for listeners and the music press to let their imaginations run afield about who these men were and what this music was that sounded unlike anything else happening as the psychedelic ‘60s officially wound down. Dressed like 19th century fire-and-brimstone preachers and singing rustic, sepia-toned songs about America and the deep south, The Band – Garth Hudson (keyboards, accordion, horns), Levon Helm (drums, vocals, mandolin, guitar), Richard Manuel (keyboards, vocals, drums), Rick Danko (bass, vocals) and Robbie Robertson (guitar, piano, vocals) – was still somewhat enigmatic as the ‘70s began to unfold and unravel around them, but there’s no denying how The Band was able to forge such an ineradicable impact on the music scene at large heretofore unmatched by any group that came before them, or since.

In May and June of 1971, The Band set off to tour Europe, where they hadn’t played since their tumultuous tour with Bob Dylan in 1966, during which they were booed every night as folk-rock purists felt betrayed by Dylan’s going electric as backed by The Hawks, who would soon enough become The Band. Not having played the continent in five years, the guys were justifiably wary and didn’t really know what to expect in Europe – but rather than garnering boos and catcalls, they received a rapturous response at their first concert in Hamburg, Germany and would continue performing for one enthusiastic crowd after another. Playing at the Olympia Theatre in Paris on May 25, 1971 was one such gig especially near and dear to The Band’s collective heart. “We hadn’t been back to this place since playing there with Bob Dylan, when the Paris show was a complete disaster,” Robertson recalls. “We wanted so much to do a special performance for the French. We wanted a certain kind of feeling in the Olympia. When we played the show, I felt like we did it.”

The set list that night reflected each of The Band’s ten two-set European concerts, and it was recorded by a French radio station and filmed by French media. Sadly, only the second half of that show survives, but it’s full of a slew of Band classics, such as “The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show,” “We Can Talk,” the Stevie Wonder-penned Four Tops hit “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Across The Great Divide,” “The Unfaithful Servant,” “Don’t Do It,” the Garth Hudson showcase “The Genetic Method” that leads into “Chest Fever,” “Rag Mama Rag” and a rousing cover of the Little Richard barnburner, “Slippin’ And Slidin’.” This portion of the Paris show is presented on CD2 as a “bootleg partial concert,” but even so, each of these 11 electrifying live tracks serve as even more evidence of just how good The Band sounded onstage at this point in their career.

Originally released on September 15, 1971, Cahoots contains a number of The Band’s best-loved and most enduring songs, including “Life Is A Carnival” and “When I Paint My Masterpiece.” As recounted in the liner notes, longtime Band road manager Jonathan Taplin notes how “Carnival” was born in part out of Robertson’s infatuation with some of the more peculiar characters on display in Marcel Carné’s 1945 film Les Enfants du Paradise, not to mention his having worked on the midway at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto in his youth. In addition to The Band’s own impeccable style of groove-making, the song’s Mardi Gras-esque atmospherics are also due to legendary New Orleans R&B producer Allen Toussaint having been deployed to compose a most excellent, and decidedly funky, horn arrangement to buttress the track.

Meanwhile, “When I Paint My Masterpiece” ensued from a visit by lifelong Band compadre Bob Dylan, an instant classic that’s bolstered by Levon Helm’s mandolin and Garth Hudson’s accordion, both of which lent the track a European feel that best matched Dylan’s lyrical axis. Be sure to spend time with the “Masterpiece” alternate take near the end of CD1, which begins with a more prominent mandolin chord and world-weary Levon vocal, rather than the song’s more familiar 25-second fade-in. You’ll also discern differences in Garth’s accordion accompaniment, Rick Danko’s animated bass playing and Richard Manuel’s insistent drumming. (Manuel often took to the drum chair whenever Levon would switch off to mandolin.)

Incidentally, Cahoots features another guest of note who also happened to be a Woodstock resident at the time: namely, Van Morrison, who adds his indelible vocal stamp to “4% Pantomime.” One afternoon, Morrison stopped by Robertson’s writing studio, heard Robertson noodling on some chord changes and a melody on piano, and the next thing anyone knew, Morrison was singing and creating lyrics on the spot while looking right at Richard Manuel. Morrison (whom Robertson dubbed the “Belfast Cowboy”) was so galvanized by the tune that he suggested they all head to the studio to cut it that same night. A few hours and a few false starts later, “4% Pantomime” was officially on tape. In the finished version, Morrison and Richard Manuel trade impassioned face-to-face vocals captured only a few feet apart (with Manuel also turning in double duty on piano), Levon Helm supplying the unmistakable backbeat, and Garth Hudson adding all the right organ fills. (You can hear that initial false start version on one of the key outtakes on CD1.)

Cahoots peaked at #21 on Billboard, marking The Band’s fourth consecutive Top 30 album appearance. Fifty years on, Cahoots remains a stone-cold masterpiece, reinforced with a vibrant swath of refreshing stereo and surround-sound mixes alike for lifelong fans and those discovering the wonders of The Band for the very first time. Believe it or not, Cahoots is most definitely worth more than “two bits a shot.”

Cahoots (50th Anniversary Edition) Tracklisting

CD1

1. Life Is A Carnival

2. When I Paint My Masterpiece

3. Last Of The Blacksmiths

4. Where Do We Go From Here?

5. 4% Pantomime

6. Shoot Out In Chinatown

7. The Moon Struck One

8. Thinkin’ Out Loud

9. Smoke Signal

10. Volcano

11. The River Hymn

Bonus Tracks

12. Endless Highway

(Early Studio Take, 2021 Mix)

13. When I Paint My Masterpiece

(Alternate Take, 2021 Mix)

14. 4% Pantomime (Takes 1 & 2)

15. Don’t Do It (Outtake – Studio Version, 2021 Mix)

16. Bessie Smith (Outtake)

CD2

Live at The Olympia Theatre, Paris, May 1971 (Bootleg, Partial Concert)*

1. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show

2. We Can Talk

3. Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever

4. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

5. Across The Great Divide

6. The Unfaithful Servant

7. Don't Do It

8. The Genetic Method

9. Chest Fever

10. Rag Mama Rag

11. Slippin' And Slidin'

Bonus Tracks

12. Life Is A Carnival (Instrumental)*

13. Volcano (Instrumental)*

14. Thinkin’ Out Loud (Stripped Down Mix)*

Blu-ray

Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and Stereo
High Resolution Audio: 96 kHz/24 bit

1. Life Is A Carnival

2. When I Paint My Masterpiece

3. Last Of The Blacksmiths

4. Where Do We Go From Here?

5. 4% Pantomime

6. Shoot Out In Chinatown

7. The Moon Struck One

8. Thinkin’ Out Loud

9. Smoke Signal

10. Volcano

11. The River Hymn

Bonus Tracks

12. Endless Highway

(Early Studio Take, 2021 Mix)

13. When I Paint My Masterpiece

(Alternate Take, 2021 Mix)

14. 4% Pantomime (Takes 1 & 2)

15. Don’t Do It (Outtake – Studio Version, 2021 Mix)

1LP (33 1/3 RPM)
180g black vinyl (included in the box set and available individually); ltd. edition 180g black vinyl with tip-on jacket (available individually)

Side One

1. Life Is A Carnival

2. When I Paint My Masterpiece

3. Last Of The Blacksmiths

4. Where Do We Go From Here?

5. 4% Pantomime

Side Two

1. Shoot Out In Chinatown

2. The Moon Struck One

3. Thinkin’ Out Loud

4. Smoke Signal

5. Volcano

6. The River Hymn

Original 1971 7” Capitol Single, Japanese Pressing (45 RPM)

A. Life Is A Carnival

B. The Moon Struck One

* Previously unreleased

Released in October 1971, Frank Zappa’s “200 Motels” was a miraculous feat, a cinematic collision of the venerated musician and composer’s kaleidoscopic musical and visual worlds that brought together Zappa and his band, The Mothers, Ringo Starr as Zappa – as “a large dwarf” – Keith Moon as a perverted nun, Pamela Des Barres in her acting debut, noted thespian Theodore Bikel, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and an incredible assortment of characters (both on screen and off) for a “surrealistic documentary” about the bizarre life of a touring musician. A heady, psychedelic stew of low and high brow art forms, the film, written by Zappa and co-directed by him and Tony Palmer, mixed together irreverent comedic skits, madcap satire, eye-popping animation and virtuosic on-screen musical performances from both The Mothers and the RPO for a fascinating and free-wheeling multimedia extravaganza. Shot in just 10 days with a budget of around $650,000 from distributor United Artists, “200 Motels” was one of the first movies to be filmed entirely on videotape and Zappa and crew pushed the envelope of the burgeoning new medium’s possibilities, mostly notably through its use of spectacular – and at the time – state-of-the-art visual effects. Described by Zappa as “at once a reportage of real events and an extrapolation of them… other elements include ‘conceptual by-products’ of the extrapolated ‘real event’ … In some ways the contents of the film are autobiographical,” “200 Motels” was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a “a stunning achievement” with “just the right touch of insanity,” and the “Zaniest piece of filmusical fantasy-comedy since The Beatles' ‘A Hard Day's Night’” by Daily Variety.

The music, and its corresponding soundtrack, was equally diverse, a wild pastiche of avant garde rock and orchestral compositions interspersed with dialog from the film. Up until that time, compositions like the finale piece, “Strictly Genteel,” were some of the most ambitious material ever written and recorded by Zappa. The band in the film and on the soundtrack consisted of Frank Zappa (guitar & bass), Mark Volman (vocals & special material), Howard Kaylan (vocals & special material), Ian Underwood (keyboards & winds), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), George Duke (keyboards & trombone), Martin Lickert (bass), Jimmy Carl Black (vocals), and Ruth Underwood (orchestra drum set), not to mention the aforementioned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In true Zappa fashion as he wrote in the album’s original liner notes, “This music is not in the same order as in the movie. Some of this music is in the movie. Some of this music is not in the movie. Some of the music that’s in the movie is not in the album. Some of the music that was written for the movie is not in the movie or the album. All of this music was written for the movie, over a period of 4 years. Most of it (60%) was written in motels while touring.”

Fully authorized by the Zappa Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers, the expansive 200 Motels 50th Anniversary Edition is a definitive super deluxe six-disc box set of the beloved, yet hard to find, soundtrack that has been lovingly assembled in celebration of the film and soundtrack’s golden anniversary. Available now via Zappa Records/UMe, the six-disc set is housed in a 64-page hardcover book in a handsome 12” x 12” slipcase. The packaging replicates the original booklet updated with revealing new liner notes from Pamela Des Barres, Ruth Underwood and Joe Travers, as well as Patrick Pending’s essay from the 1997 reissue, and is chock full of motion picture artwork, stills and images, from the film and its making, many which have never been seen before. This must-have collector’s release also includes a custom “200 Motels” keychain and Do-No-Disturb motel door hanger and a full-size replica of the original movie poster. Years in the making, all the audio has been meticulously identified and transferred over several years as Travers dug through the Vault to create a new high resolution 96K/24B digital patchwork stereo master from the original analog tapes. The Vault material was mastered by John Polito in 2021.

STREAM/PURCHASE 200 MOTELS 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Discs 1 and 2 feature the remastered soundtrack with the second half of the second disc consisting of demos and demo outtakes; two of the many highlights from these sessions include unreleased alt mixes and alt takes of the Chunga’s Revenge tunes, “Road Ladies” and “Tell Me You Love Me.” Discs 3 and 4 contain the “Dialog Protection Reels,” which reveal an early version of the movie, while Disc 5 and 6 present unreleased outtakes, alternates and historical nuggets sequenced in the order of the original shooting script, the way Zappa originally envisioned before he ran into time and budget constraints. These illuminating discs reveal Zappa’s original intent for the film for the first time.

The remastered 200 Motels soundtrack is also now available on vinyl as a 2LP pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and also as a limited edition red vinyl pressing on 180-gram vinyl, exclusively through Zappa.com, uDiscoverMusic.com or SoundofVinyl.com. Both were pressed by Optimal Media in Germany and mark the first time the album has been available on vinyl in decades. The soundtrack is also on 2CD and all formats include a smaller version of the movie poster. Additionally, the entire Super Deluxe Edition box set is available digitally for streaming and download, marking the soundtrack’s digital debut, in both standard and hi-res audio.

Putting together this 50th anniversary edition was a labor intensive process that bore fruit at nearly every turn as Travers dug through Zappa’s expansive archives to put together this exhaustive edition. As Travers writes in the liners, “During this search and seizure mission, I was able to unearth a multitude of audio treasures from a very large number of tapes. Original demos, session outtakes, alternate mixes and versions, and even dialog reels that captured an edit of the film that predates the final assembly which eventually made it to theaters everywhere in 1971.” Amongst the gems discovered include a number of ¼-inch reel-to-reel tapes that were made at Trident Studios during February of ’71, which  contain rough mixes of nearly everything that was recorded on multi-track. As Travers explains, “they reflect raw performances, as they happened before FZ would get a hold of the multi-track masters and bring them to Whitney Studios in Glendale for over-dubs and sweetening. The Trident tapes allow us to hear music that did not make the film, or the final soundtrack album. They also helped us to reconstruct pieces of music like ‘The Pleated Gazelle’ or ‘What’s The Name Of Your Group?’ into their full sequences per the score. Over the years, even Frank himself forgot the sheer amount of music that actually did get recorded. All of the archiving for this 50th Anniversary set has produced incredible amounts of content that we would never had known existed otherwise.”

200 MOTELS 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION SUPER DELUXE BOX SET

CD 1: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK – REMASTERED

    Semi-Fraudulent / Direct-From-Hollywood Overture
    Mystery Roach
    Dance Of The Rock & Roll Interviewers
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Prologue)
    Tuna Fish Promenade
    Dance Of The Just Plain Folks
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Reprise)
    The Sealed Tuna Bolero
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt
    Touring Can Make You Crazy
    Would You Like A Snack?
    Redneck Eats
    Centerville
    She Painted Up Her Face
    Janet's Big Dance Number
    Half A Dozen Provocative Squats
    Mysterioso
    Shove It Right In
    Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist & Postlude
    I'm Stealing The Towels
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You?
    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
    Penis Dimension
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning

CD 2: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK – REMASTERED (Cont’d)

    A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes
    Magic Fingers
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch
    Dew On The Newts We Got
    The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts
    The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth
    The Girl's Dream
    Little Green Scratchy Sweaters & Courduroy Ponce
    Strictly Genteel (The Finale)

200 MOTELS DEMOS, 2ND MOVEMENT – ROCK MUSIC

    Road Ladies (Alternate Mix)
    What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening
    What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are?
    Bwana Dik
    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
    Do You Like My New Car?
    Magic Fingers
    Phyllis & Aynsley
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning (Alternate Mix)

200 MOTELS DEMO SESSION OUTTAKES

    Tell Me You Love Me (Mix Outtake)
    Road Ladies (Alternate Take)
    What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening (Studio Outtakes)
    What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening (Alternate Take, Incomplete)
    "Aynsley Dunbar, Ladies & Gentlemen"
    Magic Fingers (Version B, Mix Outtake)
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning (Mix Outtake)
    Tell Me You Love Me (Alternate Take)

CD 3: 200 MOTELS – DIALOG PROTECTION REELS

    Scene 1-2: Semi-Fraudulent/Direct-From-Hollywood Overture
    Scene 3: "What's The Deal?"
    Mystery Roach
    Scene 32: "It's A Good Thing We Get Paid To Do This…"
    Scene 14: What's The Name Of Your Group? I
    Scene 32: "We Haven't Formed The Group Yet"
    Scene 15: What's The Name Of Your Group? II
    Scene 17: "When Do We Get Paid?"
    Scene 18: Went On The Road
    Scene 19-20: "Special Delivery"
    Scene 21: Centerville
    Scene 21: Janet & Lucy
    Scene 22: This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich
    Scene 23-24: Tuna Fish Promenade
    Scene 28: The Sealed Tuna Bolero
    Scene 29: Lonesome Cowboy Burt
    Scene 30: JCB & Rance
    Scene 21: Larry The Dwarf
    Scene 81: Magic Fingers
    Scene 47: Larry The Dwarf In The Hotel Room
    Scene 33: The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts
    Scene 40-41: The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth
    Scene 42: Little Green Scratchy Sweaters & Courduroy Ponce
    Scene 45: A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes
    Scene 57: The Perverted Nun
    Scene 87: "Penis!"
    Scene 58: She Painted Up Her Face
    Scene 60: Janet's Big Dance Number
    Scene 61: Half A Dozen Provocative Squats
    Scene 62: Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist
    Scene 63: Shove It Right In
    Scene 67: "I Am Bwana Dik!"
    Scene 68-69: What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening
    Scene 77: Daddy, Daddy, Daddy

CD 4: 200 MOTELS – DIALOG PROTECTION REELS (Cont’d)

    Scene 90: Biff Debris & Jeff
    Scene 84-85: Penis Dimension
    Scene 32: Mystery Roach (Acoustic) / "Yeah? Well Fine!"
    Scene 71: What Will The Evening Bring Me This Morning
    Scene 92: Jeff Flips Out / I'm Stealing The Room
    Scene 100: Strictly Genteel
    Scene 100: 200 Motels Finale

BONUS SWILL, PART I

    “I Was Gonna Make A Movie One Time…”
    200 Motels Movie Ad #1
    What's The Name Of Your Group? (FZ Edit)
    200 Motels Movie Ad #2
    FZ on Ringo Starr
    Ringo Starr on 200 Motels
    200 Motels Movie Ad #3
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch (Mix Outtake)
    Looking For Newts
    "They Are Only In It For The Money"
    200 Motels Movie Ad #4
    200 Motels Commercial Session Outtakes
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You? (Mix Outtake)
    "I Shall Ruin All The Tapes"
    Janet's Big Dance Number (Basic Tracks)
    Martin Lickert Voice-Over
    Touring Can Make You Crazy (Mix Outtake)
    Penis Dimension (Instrumental Alternate Take)
    Centerville (Mix Outtake)
    Mystery Roach (Alternate Master)
    Magic Fingers (Mix Outtake)
    200 Motels Movie Ad #5

CD 5: 200 MOTELS - ALTERNATES AND OUTTAKES

    What Is 200 Motels?
    Theodore Bikel Voice-Over (Alternate Take)
    Semi-Fraudulent/Direct-From-Hollywood Overture (Mix Outtake)
    What's The Name Of Your Group? (Complete Sequence, Part I)
    What's The Name Of Your Group? (Complete Sequence, Part II)
    What's The Name Of Your Group? (Complete Sequence, Part III)
    Can I Help You With This Dummy?
    Pianos For The Pleated Gazelle
    Synth Tracks I
    Would You Like A Snack? (Alternate Take)
    Howard Kaylan/Mark Volman Voice-Over
    Centerville (Rough Mix)
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Prologue, Mix Outtake)
    Tuna Fish Promenade (Mix Outtake)
    The Sealed Tuna Bolero (Alternate Take)
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt (Mix Outtake)
    Naval Aviation In Art?
    Redneck Eats/The Restaurant Scene (Basic Tracks)
    Mystery Roach (Basic Tracks)
    I Have Seen The Pleated Gazelle
    Dew On The Newts We Got (Rough Mix)
    The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts (Rough Mix)
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch (Rough Mix)
    The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth (Rough Mix, Alternate Ending)
    The Girl's Dream (Rough Mix)
    Little Green Scratchy Sweaters And Courduroy Ponce
    Scene 43: A Cardboard Box
    Scene 44
    A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes (Rough Mix)
    She Painted Up Her Face (Compressed Mix)
    The Secret Stare
    Half A Dozen Provocative Squats (Compressed Mix)
    Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist (Basic Tracks)
    Shove It Right In (Compressed Mix)
    Postlude (Basic Tracks)
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning (Mix Outtake)

CD 6: 200 MOTELS - ALTERNATES AND OUTTAKES

    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy (Alternate Take)
    Magic Fingers (Alternate Take)
    Penis Dimension (Basic Tracks)
    Scene 86
    Scene 87 (Alternate Take)
    Synth Tracks II
    I'm Stealing The Towels (Basic Tracks, Alternate Take)
    Scene 94: "He's Always Watching Me"
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma (Part I, Basic Tracks)
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You? (Mix Outtake)
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma (Part II, Basic Tracks)
    Strictly Genteel (Basic Tracks)
    200 Motels Finale (Alternate Take)
    200 Motels Finale (Basic Tracks, Unedited Ending)

BONUS SWILL, PART II

    Movie Theater Skit (Commercial Session Outtake)
    200 Motels Album Ad #1
    Script Rehearsal Trim
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt (In Rehearsal 1969)
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt (In Rehearsal 1970)
    200 Motels Album Ad #2
    Penis Dimension Jingle Music
    TV Hype (Commercial Session Outtake)
    200 Motels Movie Ad # 6

200 MOTELS SOUNDTRACK 2LP

LP 1 – SIDE 1

    Semi-Fraudulent / Direct-From-Hollywood Overture
    Mystery Roach
    Dance Of The Rock & Roll Interviewers
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Prologue)
    Tuna Fish Promenade
    Dance Of The Just Plain Folks
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Reprise)
    The Sealed Tuna Bolero
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt
     

LP 1 – SIDE 2

    Touring Can Make You Crazy
    Would You Like A Snack?
    Redneck Eats
    Centerville
    She Painted Up Her Face
    Janet's Big Dance Number
    Half A Dozen Provocative Squats
    Mysterioso
    Shove It Right In
    Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist & Postlude

LP 2 – SIDE 3

    I'm Stealing The Towels
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You?
    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
    Penis Dimension
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning

LP 2 – SIDE 4

    A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes
    Magic Fingers
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch
    Dew On The Newts We Got
    The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts
    The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth
    The Girl's Dream
    Little Green Scratchy Sweaters & Courduroy Ponce
    Strictly Genteel (The Finale)

200 MOTELS SOUNDTRACK 2CD

CD 1: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK – REMASTERED

    Semi-Fraudulent / Direct-From-Hollywood Overture
    Mystery Roach
    Dance Of The Rock & Roll Interviewers
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Prologue)
    Tuna Fish Promenade
    Dance Of The Just Plain Folks
    This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich (Reprise)
    The Sealed Tuna Bolero
    Lonesome Cowboy Burt
    Touring Can Make You Crazy
    Would You Like A Snack?
    Redneck Eats
    Centerville
    She Painted Up Her Face
    Janet's Big Dance Number
    Half A Dozen Provocative Squats
    Mysterioso
    Shove It Right In
    Lucy's Seduction Of A Bored Violinist & Postlude

CD 2: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK – REMASTERED (Cont’d)

    I'm Stealing The Towels
    Dental Hygiene Dilemma
    Does This Kind Of Life Look Interesting To You?
    Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
    Penis Dimension
    What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning
    A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes
    Magic Fingers
    Motorhead's Midnight Ranch
    Dew On The Newts We Got
    The Lad Searches The Night For His Newts
    The Girl Wants To Fix Him Some Broth
    The Girl's Dream
    Little Green Scratchy Sweaters & Courduroy Ponce
    Strictly Genteel (The Finale)