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- Written by: Bluebird
WANG CHUNG will hit the US shores on July 18th. Don't blink. While everyone will be Wang Chung-ing, they are cranking out prolific, high energy tracks, that might just steal away summer and top the charts again.
In advance of their show, we've been listening to their new release, TAZER UP!
One of our favorite tracks is the hip-mod groove of "Let's Get Along." It starts out with a spare acoustic string, then leads into some smooth vocals and a great vibe mixed with some techno-edge. Guitar riffs underline it making the song soar, yet it hangs from a high wire of cool. Listen closely, because a world music theme is there, with some cultural chants, and then it whisks you back to the fast beat of the running track.
Why is the record called Tazer Up and what is the significance of the cover? Tune in for more footage of Wang Chung in the upcoming weeks!
Until then, we'll leave you with the meditative, London Orbital.
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- Written by: Bluebird
For the love of album credits! Spin it!
"There are no chords to this song" ~ Ray Mason, the man and his Silvertone.
Pioneer Valley singer-songwriter Ray Mason of The Ray Mason Band and the Lonesome Brothers rolled out a wonderful tune this Spring that reflects the pure joy of listening to records and dreaming of starting a band.
Our favorite lyric of this new song?
"Listening to records in my room, while reading liner notes. Learning something different every time.
They're so fine!
Like a book off a shelf, or a train on its track, I'm on this trip and I'm never coming back!"
Who needs eggs benedict when you can have a cup of coffee and eat some liner notes for breakfast? Join us!
Read more: Ray Mason sings "Listening to Records (In My Room)"
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- Written by: Bluebird
WANG CHUNG GEAR UP FOR NORTH AMERICAN SUMMER TOUR FEATURING DIFFERENT LINEUPS INCLUDING THE FIXX, NAKED EYES, A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS, ANIMOTION AND MORE
June 24th, 2013 - Post punk / new wave pioneers Wang Chung are launching a 2013 North American Summer tour. The tour will feature different lineups in different cities including The Fixx, Naked Eyes, A Flock Of Seagulls, Animotion and more!
Read more: WANG CHUNG, THE FIXX, NAKED EYES, A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS, ANIMOTION ON TOUR!
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- Written by: Deb Hebert
Gallons to Ounces: Half and Half EP
You know...I've followed football for over 40 years and recognize the quarterback, kicker, receiver, offense and defense (and a few other positions), but could not pick out the safety or seondary if my life depended on it. Likewise, I've listened to every style of music and singer, from Elvis to Nat King Cole, Marvin Gaye to Snoop Dog, Liberace (I know. Lib didn't sing.) to Elton John, Joe Cocker to Joe Bonamassa, INXS to Adam Ant, Carole King to Carrie Underwood, and yet I can't discern an F-major from A-minor or tell one chord progression from the next. Why? Because I'm neither an athlete or musician. I'm a music fan! And as with any form of art, what I appreciate you may not. Still--I'm here to bring to your attention, Gallons to Ounces (G2O) is an up and coming band to keep an eye on.
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- Written by: deb hebert
On their second collaboration, Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa's interpretive intelligence shed new light on deep album cuts from some of musics most prized performers (Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Billy Holiday and Etta James). The duo joined forces in 2011 to record an album of soul classic covers on "Don't Explain". That side project was well recieved by music fans around the world, peaking at #3 on the Danish Charts. The highly anticipated SEESAW is currently holding the #1 spot.
“What’s so cool about these projects is that when Joe and Beth enter the studio, he comes in as a guitar player, and she comes in as a singer,” says Shirley. “They’re getting together just to play fun music, sing some favorite songs, without the pressure of career issues they might have on solo projects. The point is to pick up and celebrate songs that didn’t get their due in the day, and to pay homage to ones that were truly classics. The vibe this time is more upbeat than on Don’t Explain, lots of big band horns,” says producer Kevin "Caveman" Shirley.
Beth Hart is known for her “raw” vocal prowess, often compared to Janis Joplin mainly because of her intensity. However, it is her jazz and gospel influence that stands out on every number here. It is evident she was born to sing, while blues-rock guitar sensation, Joe Bonamassa, was born to play six strings. Together, they're unstoppable.
"Miss Lady" (Buddy Miles), "Rhymes" (Al Green), and "Seesaw" (Don Covay), with its jarring beats and rhythyms, get the spirit jumping, feet stomping and soul grooving, the way a Rock 'n Soul revival show should. And the duo's rendition of Tina Turner's classic "Nutbush City Limits" is worth the price of $13.99, alone!
In support of both albums, Hart and Bonamassa are currently touring in the UK and Europe. The shows are being filmed for a concert DVD due out at an undisclosed future date.
Plus, there's a series of webisodes on the making of both Don't Explain and Seesaw. These are always fun to watch and packed with behind-the-scene tidbits. To view, please visit the artist's official Youtube channel. And be sure to check out their bios, get tour details and purchase merchandise at Hart and Bonamassa's official website.
Yours in music,
DebFromMaine Hebert
Photo courtesy of J & R Adventures, Inc.
