DEEP PURPLE have a new single/video out from their soon to be released album. “Lazy Sod” is the 3rd single from ‘=1′. *Check out the video below, info & links in the description.
Tag Archives: Classic Rock
CURVED AIR – rarities box set coming in September
UK Prog Legends Curved Air “: The Rarities Series Box Set”
Spirit of Unicorn Music are pleased to announce the release of “The Rarities Series Box Set” from Curved Air, which will be released on 20th September, 2024. This 6 CD box set brings together all the CD’s previously released in the Rarities series but which have been out of print for some considerable time. The package also includes a booklet featuring brand new sleeve notes, written by PROG magazine’s editor, Jerry Ewing. Ewing has interviewed the band’s enigmatic and beguiling lead singer, Sonja Kristina, viewed by many as the first lady of prog; providing a new, fresh perspective on these recordings.Curved Air formed in 1970 and brought together the influences of rock, folk and classical music into their work, developing a fascinating and ground-breaking progression fusion sound. They went on to become a seminal band within the British progressive rock movement who have endured the test of time and still perform live to this day.The box set includes:Tapestry of Propositions: An hour-long version of “Propositions”, recorded live at 14 different locations during 2013/14.Curved Space: previously released as Francis Monkman’s “Jam” but now featuring 2 unreleased bonus tracks.Infinity: featuring all new 2016 studio recordings.The Second British Rock Meeting 1972: Features the only known recording of this line-up improvising. The last track is an extended jam on their hit, Vivaldi, and lasts over 30 minutes.Live Under The Bridge: Featuring a performance of the legendary “Air Conditioning”, in its entirety.Set to be an exciting Summer for Curved Air, July will see an acoustic line-up of the band fly to the USA and Canada for a string of 21 live shows, as part of the Heat Of The Moment Tour alongside other progressive music greats, Asia, Focus and Martin Turner – ex Wishbone Ash.
*Check out tracklisting, more details, tour dates…. – https://glassonyonpr.com/news/
VANILLA FUDGE – complete ATCO recordings to be released
VANILLA FUDGE was (is) a highly influential New York band from the 60s. Their blend of guitar & organ had a big influence on British bands like Deep Purple, as well as Led Zeppelin, and along with their backing harmonies were a huge influence on Uriah Heep. Esoteric is releasing a 9 disc box all the band’s 60s recordings, including singles, bonus tracks, and live material. VF had hits with their slowed down, heavier arrangements of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” (Supremes), “Eleanor Rigby” (Beatles). “Shotgun” (Junior Walker), and “Season Of The Witch” (Donovan). The band split at the end of the decade (w/ a couple members forming CACTUS), but reformed years later, and are still performing today! Info below. To pre-order and check out full track-listing check out link below. To be released September 27! Looking forward to this.
- 9CD BOXED SET FEATURING OF THE COMPLETE ATCO RECORDINGS BY VANILLA FUDGE MADE BETWEEN 1967 AND 1969. NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES.
- INCLUDES THE ALBUMS ‘VANILLA FUDGE’ (mono & stereo versions), ‘THE BEAT GOES
ON’ (mono & stereo versions), ‘RENAISSANCE’, ‘NEAR THE BEGINNING’ AND ‘ROCK & ROLL’, ALONG WITH A 2CD LIVE RECORDING AT THE FILLMORE WEST IN 1969, SESSION OUT-TAKES AND RARE SINGLES. - WITH AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH A NEW ESSAY FEATURING EXCLUSIVE BAND INTERVIEWS.
Featuring Mark Stein (vocals, organ), Vincent Martell (guitar, vocals), Tim Bogert (bass, vocals) and Carmine Appice (drums, vocals), the band were originally known as The Pigeons and gained notoriety thanks to their radical, slowed down and heavy interpretations of current hits. They signed to Atco Records, a division of Atlantic in April 1967 and changed their name at the insistence of Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun to Vanilla Fudge. Their radical cover version of The Supremes’ hit “You Keep Me Hanging On” was issued as a single in June 1967. Dominated by the hard-hitting approach of their rhythm section and the powerful Hammond organ playing of Mark Stein it became a US top 10 hit.
The band’s self-titled debut album was released in August 1967 and was a psychedelic rock tour-de-force, featuring a seven-minute version of ‘You Keep Me Hanging On’, it also featured imaginative cover versions of compositions by The Beatles, The Zombies and Curtis Mayfield among others. Over the next two years, VANILLA FUDGE would record a series of albums that would evolve from psychedelic rock to heavy rock and influence many emerging bands, among them Deep Purple, before disbanding in 1970.
This nine CD boxed set has been remastered from the original Atco tapes and features the albums ‘VANILLA FUDGE’ and ‘THE BEAT GOES ON’ (in both mono and stereo versions) and ‘RENAISSANCE’, ‘NEAR THE BEGINNING’ and ‘ROCK & ROLL’. It also features a complete concert recorded at the Fillmore West on New Year’s Eve 1968 / 1969 over two CDS and a host of session out-takes and singles.
The set also features an illustrated booklet with new essay featuring exclusive interviews with Mark Stein and Carmine Appice.
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/vanilla-fudge-where-is-my-mind-the-atco-recordings-1967-1969-9cd-box-set
FOCUS new single from FOCUS 12
Progressive-rock legends FOCUS have a new single from FOCUS 12 – to be released next week, just as the band starts their North American tour as part of the. ASIA Heat Of The Moment bill (along with Martin Turner, ex WHISHBONE ASH, and CURVED AIR).
*Check out the new track “Focus 13” below, as well as the press release and album pre-order link.
- Spirit of Unicorn Music are pleased to announce the release of Focus 13, the new single from Focus, taken from their forthcoming album Focus 12, which releases on July 5th. Focus 13 was written by progressive music legend and long-standing band leader, Thijs Van Leer. About the single, bassist Udo Pannekeet comments “Focus 13 is a composition full of strong, emotive and beautiful melodies which only Thijs could write.” The track features the highly skilled drumming touch that only a true elder statesman of progressive music can deliver. Pierre van der Linden excels, providing a flow and rhythm which creates tension yet also allows the melody to breath. Pannekeet continues “The drum part is totally unique!” He concludes “As part of our line of numbered Focus tracks, 13 really sticks out.” The enigmatic Van Leer agrees, “I began this composition with nothing. Zero. Yet it has ended up as a true hero!” The album Focus 12 was recorded at the world-renowned Wisseloord Studios, in the band’s native country of the Netherlands and is produced by both Pannekeet and guitarist Menno Gootjes. Set to be an exciting Summer for Focus, July will not only see the release of Focus 12 but the band will also fly to the USA and Canada for a string of 21 live shows, as part of the Heat Of The Moment Tour alongside other progressive music greats, Asia, Curved Air and Martin Turner – ex Wishbone Ash. Fjord 13 is available to download now from all good streaming services. The album Focus 12 releases on July 5th and once again features the stunning artwork of Roger Dean. It will be available on CD Digipak, vinyl (housed in a gatefold sleeve) and via digital download. You can pre-order the album here:
- https://burningshed.com/store/focus
Heat Of The Moment 2024 – USA Tour Dates:
Wednesday, 3rd July : Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield
Thursday, 4th July : Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls
Saturday, 6th July : Chevalier Theatre, Medford
Sunday, 7th July : The Paramount, Huntingdon
Tuesday, 9th July : Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood
Wednesday, 10th July : Count Basie Center, Red Bank
Friday, 12th July : Tropicana Showroom, Atlantic City
Saturday, 13th July : Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem
Sunday, 14th July : American Music Theatre, Lancaster
Tuesday, 16th July : Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg
Wednesday, 17th July : Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
Thursday, 18th July : Columbia County Performing Arts Center, Evans
Saturday, 20th July : Hard Rock Live, Orlando
Sunday, 21st July : The Parker Theatre, Fort Lauderdale
Monday, 22nd July : Seminole Hard Rock, Tampa
Wednesday, 24th July : North Charleston PAC, North Charleston
Thursday, 25th July : Macon City Auditorium, Macon
Friday, 26th July : Saeger Theatre, Mobile
Sunday, 28th July : VBC Mark Smith Concert Hall, Huntsville
Tuesday, 30th July : The Armada Theatre, St Charles
Wednesday, 31st July : The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
KEN HENSLEY – Our Brother the Legend, new book!
Trevor Hensley has put together and issued a new book on his late brother Ken. Titled ‘Our Brother – the Legend ‘, it is 110 pages full of stories about Ken from the perspective of his family. There are rare and family pics of Ken, stories of his early days growing up, of the band’s he was in, hobbies, and as part of the Hensley family. There’s also stories from musicians Ken worked with like Joe Konas,, Jack Williams and Ken Ingwersen (among them), as well as some nice recollections from a few fans who’d met and seen Ken over the years. Discographies, Trevor’s picks of his favorite Ken Hensley & Uriah Heep songs, and more. A fun and excellent read, with plenty of previously unheard tales, and unseen images. Love the story of Ken’s mom coming to see Heep only to pull out her knitting! 🙂
You can order a copy of ‘Ken Hensley: Our Brother – the Legend’ through Trevor simply by sending him a private message on Facebook. A nice little addition to the Ken Hensley/Uriah Heep collection!
*You can check out Trevor’s radio show at wwe.redfiveradio.co.uk , as well as visit the Ken Hensley Fan Club on Facebook.
BADFINGER: Tom Evans archive release
| Badfinger Legend Tom Evans Rare Home Recordings “I Am Myself” Available On Y&T Music June 5, 2024! |
“I Am Myself” is a collection of never-before-heard home demo recordings by Liverpool’s Tom Evans, bassist and co-lead singer of the iconic power pop group Badfinger. It will be released as a limited-edition CD by Y&T Music and available on all streaming platforms on June 5, 2024 to celebrate what would have been Tommy’s 77th birthday.
Like his Badfinger bandmate Pete Ham, Tom Evans was a prolific songwriter; he gave the quartet many of their greatest ‘deep cuts,’ including “Money,” “It’s Over,” “Believe Me” and “Blind Owl.” Evans and Ham co-wrote “Without You,” which went to No. 1 for both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest pop ballads of all time.
He sang lead on “Come And Get It,” Badfinger’s smash hit debut, written and produced by Paul McCartney; his soaring tenor voice made “Maybe Tomorrow,” recorded for the Beatles’ Apple Records when they were still calling themselves The Iveys, an international sensation.
Among the 21 tracks on “I Am Myself,” two went on to be recorded by The Iveys/Badfinger: “Fisherman,” and “No Escaping Your Love”.
Performed mainly on acoustic or electric guitar, with frequent vocal and instrumental overdubs, the album’s freewheeling musicality, lyrical playfulness and clever song-construction showcase Tommy’s songwriting talents at an early period in his musical career.
“I Am Myself” came to be after a long review of material. While reviewing Iveys demo recordings, Tom Brennan discovered that there was more than enough material of Tom Evans’ solo recordings to put together a robust album. Before Brennan could even present the idea, mastering engineer Kevin McElligott proposed the idea of a Tom Evans solo album. McElligott felt strongly that the time was long overdue for Tommy’s demos to have a formal release: “Such a supremely talented singer/songwriter who struck an emotional chord within so many. I felt a real strong responsibility to Marianne, Stephen and the Badfinger community to bring these songs out sounding as best they can. This is just the beginning of hopefully many more releases. It’s an honor for me to sit down and work on these tracks. I do hope everyone enjoys this release.” Everything just came together like it was meant to be. Badfinger historian Dan Matovina made the initial digital transfers. The recordings were then compiled & edited by Tom Brennan, and restored & mastered by Kevin McElligott.
Stephen and Marianne spent time listening to these songs during the process of putting this project together, as well as contributing photos to this album. Tim Boyle gave permission to use some of his pictures for this project and was excited to hear about a new Tommy album, as he is an Evans family friend and worked closely with the band as a booking agent and an assistant for many years.
Released with the full support and cooperation of the Evans Estate, “I Am Myself” is a limited edition of 1,000 CDs. An art print of a rare early photo of Tom is included.
Earlier in 2024, Y&T Music issued “Gwent Gardens,” a collection of unreleased demo recordings by the late Pete Ham.
“I AM MYSELF” TRACK LISTING:
1. Hello
2. I Am Myself
3. Our First Night Together
4. Water Lily
5. Goldfish
6. How Does It Feel (original demo)
7. Honey Lovin’ Ways
8. Uncle C
9. I Should Have Loved You (original demo)
10. Fisherman (original demo)
11. Dancing Girl
12. I Don’t Want The Bother
13. Handsome Malcolm
14. In My World Of Yesterday
15. No Escaping Your Love (original demo)
16. Good Times Together
17. The Leaves
18. Stay By Me, Baby
19. A Simple Song
20. Wine, Women And Song
21. I Am Myself (reprise)
To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Myself-Tom-Evans/dp/B0D49ZFQ7X/
For more information:
https://www.badfingerlibrary.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@TomEvansSolo
www.ytmusiconline.com
UFO reissue Ain’t Misbehavin’ ep w/ bonus tracks
UK Rock Legends UFO Reissue Rare 1988 EP With Vintage Live Bonus Tracks & Other Treasures!
The legendary British rock band’s rare 1988 EP, Ain’t Misbehavin’, is making a triumphant return in a Deluxe Bonus Track Edition reissue, promising a treasure trove of sonic delights for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Recorded in the wake of the band’s electrifying 1987 tour in support of their ’85 album Misdemeanor, this EP marked the final collaboration between UFO frontman Phil Mogg and the virtuosic Japanese-born guitarist Atomik Tommy M.Much like its predecessor, Ain’t Misbehavin’ goes full throttle from beginning to end with Mogg matching his vocal prowess to the pyrotechnic playing of guitarist Tommy alongside superstar bassist Paul Gray (The Damned) and former Magnum drummer Jim Simpson. The brilliant lead off track, “Between A Rock And A Hard Place,” ranks up there with some of the band’s best rockers. Check out this special digital single release of the track below!
- Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/ufo_betweenarockandahardplace
- This deluxe reissue not only reintroduces the original EP in all its glory but also treats fans to a selection of bonus tracks, including vintage live performances and other rarities that showcase UFO’s dynamic live energy and musical evolution. The artwork has been revamped with an even sexier front cover image, and the whole thing is being released on all formats this June 14 so order your copy today!
- Order the CD/Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=ufo+ain%27t+misbehavin
- Stream/download the digital: https://orcd.co/ufo_aintmisbehavin
- TRACK LIST:
1. Between A Rock & A Hard Place
2. Another Saturday Night
3. At War With The World
4. Hunger In The Night
5. Easy Money
6. Rock Boyz, Rock
7. Lonely Cities (Of The Heart)
BONUS TRACKS
8. Only You Can Rock Me (Live In Milwaukee 1986)
9. The Chase (Live In Milwaukee 1986)
10. Night Run (Live In Milwaukee 1986)
11. Doctor Doctor (Live In Milwaukee 1986)
12. Between A Rock & A Hard Place (Instrumental Version)
FOCUS – Prog legends announce ‘Focus 12’
Spirit of Unicorn Music are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of FOCUS 12, the brand new studio album from Focus.
Founded by Thijs van Leer, Focus have been at the forefront of the progressive music movement since 1969, yet they still continue to deliver engaging, innovative and skillfully crafted music. Focus 12 exemplifies this and proves why they are still a firm fan favourite, the world over.
For Thijs van Leer (75) and Pierre van der Linden (78), age is nothing more than a number. Both continue to contribute to Focus with a passion. Thijs, who has written the majority of the new album, rises at 4.30am every day in order to work on his compositions. Whilst the album boasts some of Pierre’s greatest and most energetic drum sequences to date.
Allowing the younger guard to take the audio reins for the first time, Focus 12 is produced by band members Udo Pannekeet and Menno Gootjes, who also contribute two compositions on the album.
Thijs commented “How beautiful life can be when a band plays so easily and so together.”
Focus 12 was recorded at the world-renowned Wisseloord Studios, in the band’s native country, of the Netherlands. A first for Focus, the album features a completely improvised piece which was captured as it spontaneously took place in the studio, during the recording process. Thus proving that more than 50 years on, the band are still excited by undertaking something new and different.
Van Leer continues “Thanks Pierre, Udo and Menno for so much musical passion!”
The band continue their long association with legendary artist Roger Dean whose stunning artwork graces the front cover and packaging. The vinyl version features a stunning gatefold sleeve.
Focus continue to be one of the hardest working rock bands on the planet, regularly touring the globe playing live. This July, they undertake a string of live dates across the USA and Canada, as part of Asia’s Heat Of The Moment Tour.
Thijs van Leer concludes “After all these years, Focus is in the here and now; the triumph of survival!
Focus 12 will be available on CD, Vinyl and on all good streaming services and can be pre-ordered here: https://burningshed.com/store/focus
Track Listing
- 1. Fjord Focus
- 2. Focus 13
- 3. Béla
- 4. Meta Indefinita
- 5. All Aboard
- 6. Born To Be You
- 7. Nura
- 8. Bowie
- 9. Positano
- 10. Gaia
Focus:
Thijs van Leer : Flute, Organ, Piano, Synths
Menno Gootjes : Guitars, Piano, Synths
Pierre van der Linden : Drums
Udo Pannekeet : Bass, Synths, Programming
Produced by Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet
Recorded by Danny Sykes, Udo Pannekeet and Geert Scheijgrond at Wisseloord Studios and Wedgeview Studios, Netherlands
Mixed by Udo Pannekeet
Mastered by Sander van der Heide
DAVID GILMOUR – new single
DAVID GILMOUR has released a new single from his forthcoming album Luck And Strange , to be released September 6. The single “The Piper’s Call” features classic Gilmour guitar work, with that distinctive sound that fans will easily recognize.
*Check out the video below and details in video description. Ordering link below.
https://store.davidgilmour.com/dept/luck-and-strange?cp=84222_114773
ALICE COOPER – Breadcrumbs reissued with bonus tracks
Now available on CD, including bonus tracks: Breadcrumbs by Alice Cooper, the release that initiated the success of the album Detroit Stories
Inspired by the rebellious energy of the late ’60s and early ’70s punk scene, Alice Cooper returns to his roots and the unpolished garage sound that his fans love so much. Previously only available as a limited and now out-of-print 10″ vinyl, this gem is now finally being released as a nice price CD edition.
Order it here.
The release contains the six tracks from the original 10″ vinyl, which showcase Cooper’s raw and energetic interpretation of classic Detroit songs: “Your Mama Won’t Like Me” by Suzi Quatro; Bob Seger’s “East Side Story”; MC5’s “Sister Anne”; Shorty Long’s “Devil With A Blue Dress On”; and The Dirtbombs’ “Chains of Love.” All are performed in the popular and well-known Alice Cooper style. In addition, this release includes the two bonus tracks “Don’t Give Up,” Cooper’s message of hope and appeal to the perseverance of his fans dur. ing the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a live version of “Go Man Go” from his electrifying set at Hellfest 2022.
BREADCRUMBS TRACK LISTING:
“Detroit City 2020”
“Go Man Go”
“East Side Story”
“Your Mama Won’t Like Me”
“Devil With A Blue Dress On” + “Chains Of Love”
“Sister Anne”
“Don’t Give Up” (Bonus Track)
“Go Man Go (Live At Hellfest 2022)” (Bonus Track)
Outsider Rock 