U2’s “dystopian junk mail”

On By Time LordIn Progarchy2 Comments

U2’s new album? You can’t even give it away.

Chris Richards is offended:

On Tuesday afternoon, U2’s new album was just there, waiting for you. Like an Ikea catalogue. Or a jury summons. Or streptococcus. The latest inescapable unpleasantry for anyone who’s chosen to participate in our great digital society — more specifically, the 500 million human beings on this planet who use iTunes.

…

As for the album itself, it’s called “Songs of Innocence,” perhaps to suggest that U2 is abandoning a swaddled orphan on your doorstep, not an intrusive cluster of idea-starved rock songs. Yeah, okay, this might be the largest album release in history. It’s also rock-and-roll as dystopian junk mail.

…

In this brave new farrago of medium and message, U2 seem to have transmitted all of rock-and-roll’s misguided egotism into one ridiculous statement: Our music is technically worthless and everyone in the world should hear it. That’s what this band is “all about,” and Apple is happy to do its part, making you the owner of these songs without asking your permission. Which is disgusting.

Well, I don’t know how dystopian this event is. Giving away free stuff: isn’t that just a promotional stunt, calculated to generate PR to sell more stuff?

U2 and Universal Music Group will face some hurdles due to disgruntled retailers. Sources say Target has a policy of not carrying any title that was first released to digital retail. Target refused to initially carry Beyonce’s self-titled album following her surprise iTunes exclusive, and Amazon withheld the usual prime page placement. To entice retailers, Universal is offering four tracks that iTunes will not have until November, according to sources. Some retailers could walk away with more tracks, as sources say Universal has three additional tracks for select retailers.

The awareness surrounding the Apple giveaway and related advertising efforts could be a financial boon to U2’s catalog. As such, Universal is said to be planning the most aggressive catalog program it has ever executed for U2. The band’s catalog has already been sale-priced at iTunes and is promoted as “limited-time pricing” on the iTunes Music Store home page.

King Crimson now officially on YouTube with DGM

On By Time LordIn ProgarchyLeave a comment

King Crimson has a cool new YouTube channel:

H/T: K.K.

A Note From BONO

On By Bryan MoreyIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

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BONO, the lead singer for U2, has written a letter on the band’s website explaining why iTunes is offering their new album, Songs of Innocence, for free. Read on.

Hello, bonjour, ciao, hola, hallo, zdravo, dobar dan, Dia duit, hæ, hej,hei, cześć, olá, ćao, namaste, sawatdee, jambo, pozdravi, Γεια σου, привіт, שלום, مرحبا, こんにちは, , سلام, 你好, Привет….

Remember us? Pleased to announce myself, Edge, Adam and Larry have finally given birth to our new baby… Songs of Innocence. It’s been a while. We wanted to get it right for you/us. We just finished it last week and thanks to Apple and iTunes it’s with you today. That’s already amazing to me as it normally takes a few months to turn this stuff around.

Part of the DNA of this band has always been the desire to get our music to as many people as possible. In the next 24 hours, over a half a billion people are going to have Songs of Innocence… should they choose to check it out. That is so exciting. People who haven’t heard our music, or weren’t remotely interested, might play us for the first time because we’re in their library. Country fans, hip hop afficionados from east LA, electro poppers from Seoul, Bhangra fans from New Delhi, Highlifers in Accra… might JUST be tempted to check us out, even for a moment. What a mind blowing, head scratching, 21st century situation. Over 500 million people… that’s a billion ears. And for the people out there who have no interest in checking us out, look at it this way… the blood, sweat and tears of some Irish guys are in your junk mail.

You’ll have noticed the album is free to U2.com’ers from the band. It’s also free to everyone on iTunes thanks to Apple. To celebrate the ten year anniversary of our iPod commercial, they bought it as a gift to give to all their music customers. Free, but paid for. Because if no-one’s paying anything for it, we’re not sure “free” music is really that free. It usually comes at a cost to the art form and the artist… which has big implications, not for us in U2, but for future musicians and their music… all the songs that have yet to be written by the talents of the future… who need to make a living to write them.

We’re collaborating with Apple on some cool stuff over the next couple of years, innovations that will transform the way music is listened to and viewed. We’ll keep you posted. If you like Songs of Innocence, stay with us for Songs of Experience. It should be ready soon enough… although I know I’ve said that before…

I hope after listening to our new long player a few times, you’ll understand why it took so long. We really went there… it’s a very, very personal album. Apologies if that gets excruciating… actually, I take that back. No apologies if it gets excruciating. What’s the point in being in U2 if you can’t go there?
There is no end to LOVE.’
BONO

Important News from The Reasoning

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

Are you sitting comfortably? Yes?

Published September 10, 2014

Well then, I shall begin…

It’s Matt here, and I hope that I find you all on fine form. As you may have noticed, The Reasoning have been somewhat off the radar lately. This is primarily because we have been concentrating so much on album writing, but more on that later.

First of all, whilst it saddens me greatly to say this, it has been necessary to cancel the forthcoming shows scheduled for October and November as part of our Great Escape tour. This was a difficult decision to make, but for a variety of non-musical work related reasons, logistical complications have proven to be insurmountable on this occasion. We would like to apologise wholeheartedly for this: full refunds will of course be available from all points of sale. I also extend my deepest apologies to our good buddies HeKz, who have been nothing but professional in response to the situation.

Secondly, we can tell you that the intended title for the album is Horrorscopic (with some stunning artwork by Graeme “Twig” Bell!)… but given this enforced respite, we’ve decided to take some time away from the music, in order to allow it to grow and develop more naturally. This will also enable us to think carefully about how best to produce, record and promote it. It must be said that, with 40,000 physical album sales and 100,000 digital downloads to our name, as well as 10 years of musical history, 4 albums, 1 acoustic album, 1 EP, 1 DVD, 1 Christmas single and a Top 10 Amazon chart single already under our belts – not to mention some truly amazing headline tours, shows in Europe and the US, alongside gigs such as High Voltage, shows with Marillion, FISH and many other awesome bands – a breather is probably well-deserved! There’s no finite limit to said breather: whether it takes us six months or two years to create an album that we’re genuinely proud of, then it will have been more than worth the wait. We hope that you will agree and understand. In the interim, of course, you’ll still see many of us out and about at other gigs, pontificating online and (if you’re really lucky) doing the weekly shopping [insert supermarket of your choosing].

As always, from the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank you enough for all of your continued and incredible support, and we are humbled by the enduring love that you have shown us over the years

Much love,
Matt, Rach, Jake, Keith, Rob and Seb
The Reasoning
xxxxxx

PS The wonderful HekZ will be arranging new dates to promote their fantastic new album. Go and check them out. An amazing band…….

Oh, one other thing. . .

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

A brilliant piece of pop (“prog pop” would go too far; but more than mere pop; pop in a SKYLARKING kind of way), EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING, came out 10 years ago on September 14.  

Roland, where art thou?  Please write something more.  And, soon.  The world needs your infectious progressive pop.

Well, at least, I need it.

The best TFF album since Elemental, 2004's EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING.
The best TFF album since Elemental, 2004’s EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING.

Tears for Fears, EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING.

 

The Gods of Music Have Spoken

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music1 Comment

What else to title this post?  What a wonderfully crazy few days of music.

Here’s The Cure performing Hello Goodbye:

Is it just me, or does Robert Smith look a bit like Neil Peart crossed with the Joker? [Thanks, by the way, to Paul Watson for pointing out the new song on FB]

Robert-Plant-lullaby-and-The-Ceaseless-Roar_638Robert Plant has an incredible new album out.

Phish-FuegoPhish has an interesting new album out.

u2 songs of innocenceAnd, U2 released a full album, free, today, courtesy of Tim Cook.

haken restoration epOh, and Haken is releasing an EP.

Am I missing anything?  Should I head to the Fallout Shelter?  Are the gods done?

Dave Kerzner, STRANDED–forthcoming

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

tumblr_inline_nbn4ieQSpa1qec1d7September 9th, 2014, Miami, Florida – Dave Kerzner, former member of the Progressive Rock band “Sound of Contact”, is gearing up for a late October release of his debut solo concept album, “New World”. The first single off the album, “Stranded”, has just been released as a digital download from iTunes®, Amazon®, Google Play® and other on line stores. “Stranded” is a 10 minute “rock opera” comprised of 5 parts. It features Kerzner on vocals and keyboards with special guests Steve Hackett of Genesis, Durga McBroom of Pink Floyd, Nick D’Virgilio of Spocks Beard, Jason Scheff of Chicago and it was mixed by legendary engineer Tom Lord-Alge.

A shorter edited version called “Stranded Part 1 – Isolation” has been made as a “mainstream radio-friendly single” and will be available as a free download to anyone who signs up on the mailing list at davekerzner.com this month. Additionally, the full length album version will be made available through Kerzner’s bandcamp page: http://sonicelements.bandcamp.com/

Stream Stranded (Single) On Sound Cloud.

Lyric Video On YouTube 

Download Full Press Package. Includes Photos/Mp3 Download of track:

“Stranded” in a New World with @DaveKerzner

On By Time LordIn ProgarchyLeave a comment

Keith Emerson is your DJ…

“Stranded” is the first release from Dave Kerzner, former member of the progressive rock band Sound of Contact and co-writer/producer of “Dimensionaut”. The song is a 5-part “rock opera” that starts off Dave’s forthcoming concept album called “New World” (Expected to be released in October through his independent RecPlay label). It features special guests Steve Hackett (Genesis) and Fernando Perdomo on guitars, Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd, Jason Scheff (Chicago) and Ana Cristina on backing vocals, Nick D’Virgilio (Tears for Fears, Genesis) on drums with Dave Kerzner on lead vocals and keys. The song was mixed by Tom Lord-Alge and mastered at Lurssen Mastering.
All lyrics and music by Dave Kerzner. Lyric video created by Christine Leakey. Produced by Dave Kerzner.

“Stranded” is now available as a single on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stranded-single/id916951355?ls=1 , Amazon, Google Play and other download sites. The full-length album version, instrumental mix and more is available as a downloadable “single/EP” in mp3 and FLAC from Dave’s Sonic Elements Bandcamp:https://sonicelements.bandcamp.com/

Sloan — “Forty-Eight Portraits” (17:49)

On By Time LordIn Progarchy1 Comment

Whoa!

Sloan goes prog on their new album, Commonwealth, with “Forty-Eight Portraits” clocking in at 17:49 — to take up the entire fourth side of the double LP space!

Awesome.

The record company has the details:

The 15- song collection sees Sloan creating one of the most unique and ambitious recordings of their two-decade-plus career.

The Toronto-based rock quartet is perhaps the most truly democratic group in the annals of pop, with Jay Ferguson, Chris Murphy, Patrick Pentland, and Andrew Scott all contributing original compositions to each record, equal partners with equal say over every aspect of their work. Where in the past creative lines have been blurred to create the multi-faceted Sloan sound, Commonwealth sees the four bandmates disassociating ever so slightly to create an old-school double album sequenced with each member staking out a single side as their own artistic dominion.

Designated by the four playing card suits, the essentially solo sides allow for all four members’ work to at last be heard through the prism of individual identity. Ferguson’s opening “Diamond” side showcases his remarkable knack for symphonic pop, Pentland’s “Shamrock” offers a substantial helping of pedal-hoppin’ psych rock, and Murphy’s “Heart” is fit to burst with wit, jangle, and eclectic energy. As if the four-sided concept weren’t challenge enough, Commonwealth finishes with “Forty Eight Portraits,” an ingenious 18-minute pop suite that fills the entirely of Scott’s closing “Spade” side. Ultimately, what makes Commonwealth so special – and so distinctly Sloan – is how the fragmented approach in fact only serves to underscore the veteran band’s extraordinary strengths, showcasing the particular ingredients without ever losing sight of the sum of their parts.

Song cycles and concept-driven albums are nothing new to Sloan. Over the course of 10 albums and more than 30 singles – not to mention multiple EPs, hits and rarities collections, live albums and official bootlegs released, like all the band’s work, on their own independent label, Murderecords – the band has tackled countless creative conceits while ever forwarding a sonic palette that blends pure pop and radio rock into what is now a truly trademark sound, all big melodies and power hooks, cheeky charm and tearjerking introspection, rich harmonies and idiosyncratic personality.

Commonwealth follows 2011’s The Double Cross, which earned Sloan some of the most glowing notices of their acclaimed career. “(Sloan’s) impeccable power pop has often felt like the apotheosis of the genre,” wrote SPIN. “The hooks and harmonies rarely disappoint.” “An unapologetic celebration of Sloandom,” praised AV Club, “and a safe place for those who believe good dual-guitar breaks are the reason why we’re here on Earth.” Pitchfork summed it up best: “20 years in, they’ve made one of their best albums…That (Sloan) sound this creatively fresh this deep into their career is a real treat for people who’ve stuck with them through the years. If you’ve never given them a chance before, this is a great time to get to know them.”

Diamond Side (Jay):

1) We’ve Come This Far

2) You’ve Got A Lot On Your Mind

3) Three Sisters

4) Cleopatra

5) Neither Here Nor There

Heart Side (Chris):

6) Carried Away

7) So Far So Good

8) Get Out

9) Misty’s Beside Herself

10) You Don’t Need Excuses To Be Good

 Shamrock Side (Patrick):

11) 13 (Under A Bad Sign)

12) Take It Easy

13) What’s Inside

14) Keep Swinging (Downtown)

Spade Side (Andrew):

15) Forty-Eight Portraits

Radiant Records Sale: Neal Morse’s Autobiography TESTIMONY

On By bradbirzerIn UncategorizedLeave a comment
Neal Morse's autobiography, TESTIMONY.
Neal Morse’s autobiography, TESTIMONY.

I devoured Morse’s autobiography a few years ago.  It’s excellent.  This week, Radiant is offering it in a variety of formats for very reasonable prices.

To order it, go here: http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/314-testimony-the-book.aspx