Christmas comes early for Texas fans as they release new single ‘Hi’ featuring old friends Wu-Tang Clan. The accompanying video directed by Fenn O’Meally, stars upcoming British actor Kadeem Ramsay who recently featured in Top Boy and Small Axe.

‘Hi’ is an exhilarating slice of joy, reuniting Texas with Wu-Tang Clan, and offers the first glorious taste from Texas’ forthcoming album. It’s also the first new music from Wu-Tang Clan in three years.

No strangers to each other, Sharleen met up with RZA in Glasgow last year during the filming of a documentary to discuss their classic collaboration ‘Say What You Want’, which Texas first performed with Method Man at the BRITS way back in 1998. Working on a new track was mooted, Texas soon sent a version of ‘Hi’ to LA and Wu-Tang Clan sprinkled magic dust all over it.

Sharleen Spiteri flexes her soulful vocals over the Ennio Morricone style guitar and raps provided by RZA and Ghostface Killah, resulting in ‘Hi’, a song guaranteed to make you smile.

A new Texas album will be released next year. For now, sit back and enjoy the ride! 

Listen To ‘Hi’ HERE & Watch The Video HERE

Last Christmas Andrea Corr visited Dublin’s Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross and sang a selection of her personal Christmas favourites. It was an incredibly moving experience that inspired her to record the songs this year.

The four beautiful, moving songs featured on ‘Andrea Corr Christmas Songs’ have a special place in her childhood. Christmas is always an emotional time, this year more than ever.

‘Next year all our troubles will be miles away,” she sings in ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ before adding “some day soon, we will all be together/until then we will have to muddle through somehow.” These words resonate deeply as we approach Christmas 2020.

Listen to ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ HERE

Always bittersweet, the song has taken on a new meaning as we live through this global pandemic. The other featured songs are equally poignant : 

‘O Holy Night’, ‘In The Bleak Mid-Winter’ and the original ‘Begin Again’ written by Andrea with more than a touch of the Corrs about it.

“These are songs that I grew up with, my father played O Holy Night in our church every Christmas Eve when we were kids,” Andrea says. “We had been planning this record since my visit to the hospice last year—and then the world changed, and the lyrics took on a whole new and special meaning.”

So did her vocals which beautifully convey the heartfelt sentiment across all the tracks. It took a lot of endeavour to find a male voice choir who could all sing together in the same venue but this was eventually discovered in Perth, Australia with the lovely Giovanni Consort Choir. Anna Rice and John Hughes put the EP together with much tender loving care.

‘Andrea Corr Christmas Songs’ provides some comfort and joy in these rather difficult times. Enjoy!

See Foo Fighters as they’ve never been seen before, as all six members subject themselves to Times Like Those, a 25-year visual journey through the band’s most memorable moments onstage and off. Featuring merciless firsthand commentary, Times Like Those finds Foo Fighters making the most of their pandemic downtime, as they narrate a carousel of versions of the band and its individual members’ various versions of themselves over the years—some with different hair, some bigger, some smaller, some with different numbers of toes…

In other news, the band beamed into The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for a November 19 performance of “Shame Shame,” the first single from its forthcoming 10th album Medicine at Midnight (Roswell Records/Columbia Records), that can be seen here. Medicine at Midnight is due out February 5, 2021, and “Shame Shame” was released November 7, the same night the song made its live debut on Saturday Night Live—see that performance here foofighters.co/SNL.

Additionally, it was announced today that Foo Fighters will be one of the global superstar acts keeping the spirit of the school holiday pageant virtually alive via Amazon Music’s Holiday Plays. On December 15, the guys will ring in the school concert season and spirit with an exclusive performance of something new, something festive, and a few everlong—sorry—evergreen numbers. 

But before all that, kick back and spend 25 years packed into half an hour with Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee, and relive Times Like Those with them. You’re guaranteed to be impressed at their surprisingly intact memories of experiences on and off stage from 1995 to the present, from Seattle to Iceland, and numerous points on the globe and timeline between and beyond.

Triple Tigers Records’ multi-platinum recording artist Russell Dickerson has released his brand new track, ‘It’s About Time’ featuring Florida Georgia Line. The track is taken from his forthcoming sophomore studio album, “Southern Symphony,” out on December 4^th.

Featuring swaggering verses and an intoxicating hook, ‘It’s About Time’ marks one of the biggest collaborations of Russell’s career with chart-topping multi-platinum duo, Florida Georgia Line. Talking about how the new track came about, Russell said, “I put any and every idea into my phone. I was sitting with my wife, and I said, ‘Baby, it’s about time for a drink’. The phrase had a flow to it. “ He continued, “Florida Georgia Line are two of my best friends and it’s always so fun to make music with friends.”

Listen to ‘It’s About Time’ HERE and watch the video HERE

Multi-platinum Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Russell Dickerson has established himself a prolific songwriter and powerhouse showman through good old-fashioned performances and eloquent songcraft spiked with spirit. In 2017, his gold-certified full-length debut, Yours, bowed at #5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart and #1 on the Emerging Artists Chart. Not to mention, it yielded three consecutive #1 smashes, including the double-platinum “Yours” (christened “One of the hottest wedding songs of the year” by The Knot), the platinum “Blue Tacoma,” and “Every Little Thing.” Nominations followed at the Academy of Country Music Awards, CMT Music Awards, and iHeartRadio Music Awards. Among many highlights in 2020, he received a nod in the category of “Best New Male Artist of the Year” at the ACM.

In 2020, he transposes the little pleasures into hummable and heartfelt country anthems uplifted by pop energy on his second full-length album, Southern Symphony [Triple Tigers Records], The record reflects every side of his personality—from the loving husband, self-proclaimed “regular dude,” and now dad at home to the boisterous and bold presence beloved by millions on stage. Russell tells his story like never before through eloquent songcraft and airtight playing. 

“Hitting a mid-1970s pop-rock sweet spot, this fab debut from Cincinnati newcomers was produced by Simone Felice and co-written with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. The band more than live up to such illustrious company.” – The Times 

“Desperate Days” is the third song released by the Cincinnati quartet The Heavy Hours. The new song was produced by Simone Felice (The Lumineers, Jade Bird, Matt Maeson) and produced and mixed by David Baron in the Catskill Mountains and follows the release of past two singles “Don’t Walk Away” co-written with The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and “Ache.”

The band said of the song: ‘“Desperate Days” is the light of the sun after a storm; the reward that comes after hope during hard times. It’s a song we wrote during our quarantine experience; it’s all about the silver linings of this strange year. We sent ideas and melodies over the phone to each other, wrote the lyrics to it on a rainy day in Ohio, and then recorded the track on a rainy day in Woodstock NY.”

Listen to ‘Desperate Days’ HERE

Adopting the band’s name from a line in William Butler Yeats’ Autobiographies, The Heavy Hours emerged, eager to explore a long-standing fascination with time-honored songwriting and production. Their music soon made its way to Dan Auerbach, who invited his fellow Ohioans to visit his Easy Eye Sound headquarters in Nashville for a few days of collaborative songwriting. The sessions were both productive and a revelation, inspiring the band to strip away some of their previous artifice in order to touch a more universal chord. Armed with a cache of new songs and innumerable ideas, The Heavy Hours traveled to rural Catskills in New York state, to record under the aegis of producer Simone Felice. The sessions proved incredibly fruitful, yielding a collection of distinctive new music that serves as an undeniable milestone on The Heavy Hours’ ongoing creative journey.

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‘Home’, is the stunning new EP for the holidays by classical soul pioneer, Alexis Ffrench – out now on Sony Music.

The festive-packed EP follows the recent release of his brand new album, ‘Dreamland’, which found Alexis sketching a musical landscape more Moby than Beethoven, more Air than Bach, driven by a love of Tyler The Creator, Anderson. Paak and Kaytranada.

There is something for everyone on this latest instalment of solo piano masterpieces, including beloved seasonal favourites ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ – as well as gorgeous new compositions ‘A Time for Giving’ and ‘Simple Gifts’.

Alexis comments; “For me, the holiday season is about spending time at home with my family, playing board games together and reflecting on the year. After such a turbulent year, I’ll be thinking about those who are isolated at home, and those for whom ‘home’ isn’t a happy place to be. I send my warmest wishes, as together we look towards a brighter 2021, and I hope my music can be a source of comfort.” 

Alongside the stunning EP release, Alexis today releases a touching music video for his arrangement of ‘O Holy Night’. He explains: “This piece brings so many feelings and memories of home, hope, warmth, comfort, family, church and more. I know it’s a firm favourite for many people, and I truly hope you enjoy my arrangement.”

The EP includes three festive favourites and two new compositions – ‘Simple Gifts’ and ‘A Time For Giving’. Of the latter, Alexis notes: “Whilst this track was written with the holidays in mind, I am mindful that it’s important to be kind to and considerate of those in need, especially in times such as these. If there was ever A Time For Giving, it is most certainly now.

In a tumultuous time worldwide, Alexis’ music has been a welcome break from the backdrop of noise – as well as his calm, wise words – lending his voice to the Black Lives Matter Movement. In the absence of any live concerts, Alexis made two recent appearances on Songs Of Praise, and just last weekend on The Andrew Marr Show for Remembrance Sunday – the show’s first live performance in 8 months.

‘Home’ EP Tracklist:

1.       Holy Night
2.       A Time for Giving
3.       Feliz Navidad
4.       Simple Gifts
5.     Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

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MARTIN GORE, songwriter and founding member of Depeche Mode, releases an exhilarating new track ‘Mandrill’ on 17 November 2020 on Mute, taken from the forthcoming 5-track instrumental EP The Third Chimpanzee out 29 January 2021.

‘Mandrill’ is a ferocious slice of electro, and, like the four other tracks, has Martin Gore’s hugely atmospheric musical trademark stamped all over them. ‘Mandrill’ was produced and written by Martin and recorded this year at Electric Ladyboy in Santa Barbara, California.

The accompanying visual is a cosmic trip through the jungle: https://youtu.be/DppPzGLjN6s

“The first track I recorded had a sound that wasn’t human,” Martin explains. “It sounded primate-like. I decided to name it ‘Howler’, after a monkey. Then, when it came time to name the EP, I remembered reading the book ‘The Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee’. It all made sense to call it that, as the EP was made by one of the third chimpanzees.”

The Third Chimpanzee EP is available for pre-order now on CD, limited edition 12” Azure Blue vinyl (which includes an art print), and digitally. Artwork is by Pockets Warhol.

It’s been five years since Martin released the acclaimed instrumental album MG. ‘Mandrill’ follows the 2017 release of Depeche Mode’s global monster Spirit. Last week the band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The Third Chimpanzee EP tracklisting

1. Howler
2. Mandrill
3. Capuchin
4. Vervet
5. Howler’s End

Pre-order the EP: https://mute.ffm.to/mg-ttc

‘Mandrill’ on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DppPzGLjN6s

http://martingore.com/

http://mute.com/

In the Autumn of 2018, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Steve Perry made his long-awaited return with the release of TRACES, the legendary musician’s first new album in 25 years. The album’s personal expression of love, inspiration and renewal resonated with both critics and fans around the world, thrilled to have their ‘voice of a generation’ making new music once again.  

Now, on TRACES (Alternative Versions & Sketches) due December 4th, 2020 via Fantasy Records, Perry revisits several of his favorite tracks, stripping away the grand production touches, taking the songs down to their essence. Presented acoustic and raw, (including some in sketch form) tracks like “Sun Shines Gray,” “No Erasin’,” “No More Cryin’,” and “Most Of All” take on new and richer meaning. In this setting, Perry’s iconic soulful voice glides out-front vibrant, clear and warm while the lyrics take on greater significance as well, even more intimate than before. 

Produced by Perry and his longtime collaborator and friend, Thom Flowers, TRACES (Alternative Versions & Sketches) offers a fascinating glimpse into Steve’s creative process and a deeper understanding into an already treasured album. 

“When writing these songs, the original inspiration is always my first compass – where the songs should go,” stated Perry. “Alternate Versions & Sketches is exactly that, and I’m very excited to have you hear the original seeds of these songs.”

Watch the “Most Of All” (Stripped) visualizer HERE

Watch the previously unreleased “Most Of All” performance video HERE

TRACES (Alternative Versions & Sketches) TRACK LIST:

1. Most Of All (Radio Mix)
2. No Erasin’ (Acoustic)
3. I Need You (Acoustic)
4. No More Cryin’ (Acoustic)
5. Most Of All (Stripped) 
6. We’re Still Here (Acoustic)
7. You Belong To Me (Stripped)
8. Sun Shines Gray (Acoustic)

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Edie Brickell & New Bohemians’ anticipated new album, Hunter And The Dog Star, will be released February 19 via Thirty Tigers. The album’s first single, “My Power,” is out now. Watch the official music video HERE.

Hunter And The Dog Star is the band’s fifth studio album and their first since 2018’s Rocket—a record that marked a major return for the group following a twelve-year hiatus and was released to widespread critical acclaim. Since forming in Dallas in the mid-1980s, the band has toured extensively across the country and had their music featured in several hit shows including Miami Vice, Girls, Cold Case, Ugly Betty, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, American Dad! and more. 

Since the release of their 1988 debut, the 2x platinum-certified, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars, the band has continued to earn their reputation as an unclassifiable, genre-blending force. Returning to Arlyn Studios in Austin, TX to record with producer Kyle Crusham, Brickell and the New Bohemians—Brandon Aly (drums), John Bush (drums, percussion), Brad Houser (bass, synthesizer) and Kenny Withrow (bass, guitars, synthesizer)—once again put forth a collection of diverse musical ideas and styles on Hunter And The Dog Star, as they have continuously done for the past three decades. 

Reflecting on the album, Brickell shares, “Hunter And The Dog Star is a collection of songs reflecting the mystery of self-expression, loyalty, companionship and love in the darkest sky just before dawn.” 

In addition to Brickell (vocals, guitars), Crusham (background vocals, mellotron, piano, Rhodes, synthesizer) and the New Bohemians, the album also features Matt Hubbard (background vocals, organ, piano, synthesizer, wurlitzer), Burton Lee (pedal steel) and background vocals from Kelly Micwee and Alice Spencer. 

HUNTER AND THE DOG STAR TRACK LIST

1. Sleeve 
2. Don’t Get In The Bed Dirty 
3. I Don’t Know 
4. Stubborn Love 
5. Rough Beginnings 
6. Tripwire 
7. Horse’s Mouth
8. I Found You 
9. Miracles 
10. Evidence
11. My Power 

www.ebnewbos.com

Today, 5 Billion in Diamonds, the legendary producer trio of Butch Vig, Andy Jenks and DJ James Grillo, return with a new single and album announcement, sharing the cinematic and psych-laden track “Weight of the World”. Fusing influences from the 80s with their signature genre-bending sound, the band return with an exciting set of renowned collaborators on the upcoming record, Divine Accidents, due out November 20th via MAKE Records.

Listen to ‘Weight of the World’ HERE

Divine Accidents, the follow up to their eponymous 2017 debut – another imaginary soundtrack to another imaginary film – is a dazzling sonic and thematic journey to the heavens, a reaction to and escape from the insanity of these times. The transatlantic band have brought some 80s vibes into the cinematic mix of psych rock and folk sounds and expanded their sonic palette using the same stellar cast of collaborators including singers Ebbot Lundberg (The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Union Carbide Productions), David Schelzel (The Ocean Blue), Bristolian chanteuse Helen White and musicians including the ‘Bristol Wrecking Crew’ of Alex Lee, Sean Cook and Damon Reece on guitars, bass and drums. They also have new and sublime contributions from James Bagshaw of British psych rockers Temples and gorgeous vocals from Martin Barnard from Jenks’ 90s combo Alpha.

DIVINE ACCIDENTS LP – TRACKLISTING

01. Divine Accidents
02. Colour You In
03. Let it Get Away from You
04. The Unknown
05. Formaldehyde
06. Into Your Symphony
07. Hurt No More
08. Weight of the World
09. Witches
10. Bodega Bay
11. Dive In Me

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Following the release of the mesmerising ‘Il Gladiatore’, Russell Watson has released an anniversary version of ‘Nessun Dorma’, the track that launched his career, ahead of the release of his highly anticipated new album ‘20’ this Friday. ’20’, is an anniversary disc which captures key moments from Russell’s career with 13 newly recorded songs sung in his unmistakable trademark tenor.

Listen to ‘Nessun Dorma’ HERE

Russell has also announced a special live-stream gig from London’s Union Chapel on 11th December at 19:30 BST. Highlights on the night will include: Bring Him Home, ‘O sole mio, Volare, Someone to Remember Me, Il Gladiatore and Christmas favourites Silent Night & I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Tickets go on general sale now from HERE.

Originally released 20 years ago on his debut album, ‘The Voice’, the People’s Tenor has re-recorded the iconic ‘Nessun Dorma’ in his unmistakable trademark tenor. On the track Russell warmly remarked, “How many times have I sung ‘Nessun Dorma’ in my life? Are we counting the seven years of singing it in clubs, five or six nights a week? In that case, thousands.”

Russell has overcome many things in his life maintaining a dignity few could rival when struck by not one but two brain tumours and bouncing back in better voice than before, so he wasn’t going to let lockdown stand in the way of his stunning new album. Travel restrictions meant that long-time producer Ian Tilley had to stay in his native New Zealand so he assembled a socially distanced orchestra in Christchurch while Russell hunkered down in Wilmslow, taking instructions and overseeing proceedings via Skype.

Warmly referred to as the People’s Tenor, Russell’s journey took him from a Salford estate to the world’s most prestigious concert halls, and to becoming the best-selling male classical artist of all time.

“You don’t come from a Salford factory floor to conquering the classical world without being a driven lunatic”.

Russell’s 20th Anniversary tour will now take place in 2021. 

Rescheduled dates below:

January

Sun 10th                    AYLESBURY, Waterside Theatre

February

Thu 4th                      HARROGATE, Royal Hall

Sun 7th                      CREWE, Lyceum

Tue 9th                      HIGH WYCOMBE, Swan Theatre

Thu 11th                    NOTTINGHAM, Royal Concert Hall

Sun 14th                    WOKING, New Victoria Theatre

Tue 16th                    CHELTENHAM, Town Hall

Thu 18th                    SHREWSBURY, Severn Theatre

Sat 20th                     BIRMINGHAM, Symphony Hall

Sun 21st                     SOUTHEND, Cliffs Pavilion

Thu 25th                    BASINGSTOKE, Anvil

Sun 28th                    YORK, Barbican

March

Tue 2nd                     LEICESTER, De Montfort Hall

Sat 6th                       CARDIFF, St. David’s Hall

Sun 7th                      MILTON KEYNES, Milton Keynes Theatre

Tue 9th                      LEEDS, Town Hall

Sun 14th                    MANCHESTER, Bridgewater Hall

Sat 20th                     HULL, Bonus Arena

Tue 30th                    BUXTON, Opera House (ON SALE SOON)

June

Sat 19th                     WOLVERHAMPTON, Grand Theatre (ON SALE SOON)