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Tuesday, September 30, 2025

In stores now: the deluxe edition of David Archuleta's 'Earthly Delights' EP; LA holiday shows on sale Friday

Following the recent singles “Crème Brulée” HERE (and the remix HERE), “Can I Call You” HERE and “Dulce Amor” HEREdance/pop singer David Archuleta released a deluxe edition of his 'Earthly Delights' EP earlier this month.

Archuleta's first collection of new music in over five years, the deluxe version features new tracks “Fade To Black” and “Inside Out” plus acoustic versions of “Crème Brulee” and “Can I Call You.”

In a press release, the vocalist said, “I’m thrilled to share these extra new songs on the deluxe edition of the “Earthly Delights” EP. I’ve been inspired by so many new things in my life these past few years, and I felt like these songs deserved to be part of the story that I want to share with you all. It’s fun for me to include you on my journey as I create all this new music and I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do.”

“Fade to Black” is a sassy song about moving on with life and prioritizing yourself after giving too much time to the wrong situations. Time to prioritize your own well-being.”

”Inside Out” is a 80’s or 90's influenced throwback sounding song. It’s an intimate song about getting someone to open up more in a relationship and encouraging your partner to let their guard down more after having a wall up and being tough from whatever life has thrown at them, but done in a sexy way.”

Archlets previously said about Earthly Delights:

“I’m in my indulgence mode when it comes to giving into my sensuality. Something I always villainized before. There’s something sweet about being naughty. And it’s actually helped me to get in touch with more tender vulnerable parts of myself. So Earthly Delights is taking in the pleasures of what I always thought would keep me out of heaven. For the belief I always had of the hell and unhappiness I would experience for giving into my “carnal nature” of sexuality, which is the natural instinct of humans and even what leads to the source of life itself, here’s to a big F you to my old fears and embracing the sensual side and “earthly delights” of how good and rich it feels. It really is the source to life.”

He is currently on a North American tour, available shows are on sale HERE. See dates below. Once that run concludes. the artist will do select multiple night engagements in New York and Los Angeles. They include Joe's Pub in NYC on Dec. 12-14 and The Peppermint Club in LA on December 18-19.

Artist pre-sale is live now, with the general on-sale Oct, 3 at noon local time HERE

A special VIP package offers an official meet and greet with David, an autographed “My Only Wish” holiday card, a VIP-only merch gift, and other onsite benefits. For details visit wearesuper.co/davidarchuleta.

EP Track List:

1. Give You the World
2. Crème Brulée
3. Can I Call You
4. Lucky
5. Home
6. Dulce Amor
7. Fade to Black
8. Inside Out
9. Crème Brulée (Acoustic)
10. Can I Call You (Acoustic)
11. Crème Brulée (Haylee Wood Remix)

Tour Dates: 

October
2 Austin, TX 3TEN ACL Live
3 Dallas, TX The Cambridge Room at House of Blues
4 Houston, TX The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues
6 Atlanta, GA Terminal West
8 Franklin, TN Franklin Theatre
10 Columbus, OH Skully’s Music Diner
11 Detroit, MI El Club
12 Toronto, ON The Mod Club
14 Pittsburgh, PA Thunderbird Music Hall
16 New York, NY The Gramercy Theatre – SOLD OUT
17 Philadelphia, PA The Foundry

Tears for Fears' 'Songs from the Big Chair' to get special format reissues in November for 40th anniversary

Tears for Fears' multi-platinum hit second album 'Songs from the Big Chair' will be reissued in multiple formats on Nov. 14 via UME for its 40th anniversary. 

The range of special editions include a limited edition 2LP Transparent Red vinyl featuring the original unused artwork and tracks previously unavailable on vinyl, a 3CD deluxe set, a limited edition 1LP Coke Bottle Clear vinyl, and a limited 1LP picture disc.

LIMITED EDITION 2LP RED VINYL WITH ORIGINAL UNUSED ARTWORK

SIDE ONE
1 Shout 6:32
2 The Working Hour 6:31
3 Everybody Wants To Rule The World 4:11
4 Mothers Talk 5:06

SIDE TWO
5 I Believe 4:55
6 Broken 2:38
7 Head Over Heels 5:02
8 Listen 6:53

SIDE THREE
1 Shout (Alternative Mix) 5:08 (First time on vinyl)
2 The Working Hour (Piano Version) 2:08 (First time on vinyl)
3 Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Alternative Single Version) 4:21 (First time on vinyl)
4 Mothers Talk (Early Mix) 4:39 (First time on vinyl)

SIDE FOUR
5 I Believe (A Soulful Re- Recording) 4:42
6 Broken (Demo) 5:39 (First time On vinyl)
7 Head Over Heels (Hughes 7" Edit) 4:16
8 Listen (Clean Intro) (First time on vinyl)

3CD

DISC ONE: Original Album & B-Sides
1 Shout 6:32 Audio Original album
2 The Working Hour 6:31 Audio Original album
3 Everybody Wants To Rule The World 4:11 Audio Original album
4 Mothers Talk 5:06 Audio Original album
5 I Believe 4:55 Audio Original album
6 Broken 2:38 Audio Original album
7 Head Over Heels 5:02 Audio Original album
8 Listen 6:53 Audio Original album
9 The Big Chair 3:21 Audio B-side to Shout.
10 Empire Building 2:52 Audio B-side to Mothers Talk.
11 The Marauders 4:15 Audio B-side to The Way You Are.
12 Broken Revisited 5:16 Audio Bonus track on the ltd ed of Songs From The Big Chair.
13 The Conflict 4:04 Audio B-side to Change
14 The Working Hour (Piano Version) 2:08
15 Pharaohs 3:41 Audio B-side to Everybody Wants To Rule The World.
16 When In Love With A Blind Man 2:23 Audio B-side to Head Over Heels.
17 Sea Song 3:53 Audio B-side to I Believe (A Soulful Re-Recording) in the UK and to the re-recorded version of Mothers Talk in the US.

DISC TWO: Edited Songs From The Big Chair
1 The Way You Are 4:55
2 Mothers Talk (Short Version) 3:54
3 Shout (Alternative Version) 6:00
4 Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Single Version) 4:12
5 Head Over Heels (Dave Bascombe 7" N.Mix)
6 I Believe (A Soulful Re- Recording) 4:42
7 Everybody Wants To Run The World 4:34
8 The Way You Are (Edit) 4:21
9 Mothers Talk (U.S. Remix) 4:14
10 Shout (U.S. Single Edit) 4:06
11 Everybody Wants To Run The World (Running Version) 4:33
12 Head Over Heels (Hughes 7" Edit)
13 Mothers Talk (Video Version) 4:47
14 Shout (7" Edit) 4:47
15 Listen (Clean Intro) 6:52
16 Interview With Curt & Roland 7:36

DISC THREE: Remixed Songs From The Big Chair
1 The Way You Are (Extended) 7:41
2 Mothers Talk (Long Version) 6:17
3 Shout (UK Version / Extended Version) 7:42
4 Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Extended Version) 5:40
5 Broken / Head Over Heels / Broken (Preacher Mix) 8:01
6 Mothers Talk (Beat Of The Drum Mix) 8:56
7 Shout (Extended) 8:00
8 Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Urban Mix) 6:01
9 Mothers Talk (Alternate U.S. Remix) 4:12
10 Shout (US Dub Version) 6:48
11 Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Instrumental) 4:23
12 Shout (Acapella)

'Brian Wilson: Live at the Roxy Theatre' concert from 2000 gets expanded reissue

Oglio Records will release the 25th anniversary reissue of Brian Wilson: Live at the Roxy Theatre, available Nov. 7 on 3LP Box Set, 2CD Set, and Digital. This is the first time the live album will be available on vinyl.

Recorded across 2 sold-out nights in April 2000 at West Hollywood’s Roxy Theatre, the album saw Brian Wilson stepping onto a Sunset Strip stage for the first time in three decades.

Originally released in 2000, Live at the Roxy Theatre was Brian’s first-ever live solo album.
He was backed by a 10-piece band, including the Wondermints. 

The expanded reissue has newly unearthed performances and tour recordings, as well as a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Brian reflecting on the making of the record. 

New liner notes were written by acclaimed writer and longtime Wilson collaborator David Leaf.

“When I wrote the liner notes for the original Live at the Roxy CD, I closed by saying ‘It doesn’t get any better.’ How wrong I was. Those nights on the Sunset Strip turned out to be the beginning of Brian’s great second act—a run of miracles that gave us Pet Sounds Live, SMiLE, That Lucky Old Sun, and more. Looking back now, it’s clear: the Roxy was where Brian’s rebirth as a performer truly came alive,” Leaf writes. 

Oglio Records founder Carl Caprioglio reflects:

“When Oglio first released Live at the Roxy Theatre...I could never have imagined the role this album would play in honoring Brian’s extraordinary legacy. With Brian’s passing this year, this 25th Anniversary Edition is not just a reissue — it’s a heartfelt tribute to his artistry, his kindness, and the timeless music he shared with us.”

Formats

Original CD (2000, 28 tracks)
The original version, as first sold at Brian’s concerts, featuring the historic Roxy performances.

Oglio 2001 CD (31 tracks)
Expanded to include bonus tracks “Sloop John B” and “Barbara Ann,” plus an interview segment with Brian.

Oglio 2025 Digital & Streaming Edition (34 tracks)
Adds three newly remastered bonus performances: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.”

Oglio 2025 25th Anniversary 3LP Box Set (35 tracks)
Available on vinyl for the very first time, this deluxe multi-LP set recreates the full weekend setlist across beautifully pressed records, including two On Tour bonus tracks: “Soul Searchin’” and “Southern California.”

Oglio 2025 25th Anniversary 2CD Set (40 tracks)
The most comprehensive version ever released, with the complete Roxy concerts plus additional On Tour bonus recordings, including “Let It Shine,” “Drive-In,” “Soul Searchin’,” “Southern California,” and “Johnny B. Goode.”


2CD Track listing:

CD1

The Little Girl I Once Knew (Intro) – 0:59
The Little Girl I Once Knew – 3:25
This Whole World – 1:52
Don’t Worry Baby – 3:27
Kiss Me Baby – 3:12
Do It Again – 3:25
California Girls – 3:28
How Many Cigarette Lighters? – 0:38
I Get Around – 2:35
Back Home – 4:34
In My Room – 2:48
Surfer Girl – 3:03
The First Time – 3:56
This Isn’t Love – 3:55
Add Some Music To Your Day – 4:11
Please Let Me Wonder – 3:26
Band Intro – 1:29
Brian Wilson – 0:53
’Til I Die – 3:57
Darlin’ – 2:30
Let’s Go Away for a While – 2:54
Pet Sounds – 4:27
God Only Knows – 3:25
Lay Down Burden – 3:28
Be My Baby – 3:40

CD 2

Good Vibrations – 6:44
Caroline No – 5:00
All Summer Long – 3:12
Love and Mercy – 3:53
Sloop John B – 3:34
Barbara Ann – 2:35

BONUS TRACKS NEW TO 2025 CD

Wouldn’t It Be Nice – 2:46
Help Me Rhonda – 3:45
Fun, Fun, Fun - 3:47

ON TOUR BONUS TRACKS

Let It Shine - 3:43
Drive In – 2:02
Soul Searchin’ – 4:05
Southern California – 4:11
Johnny B. Goode - 3:02
Interview with Brian - 4:23

Album review: We Are Scientists, The Black Watch, Robert Forster

Artist: We Are Scientists

Title: Qualifying Miles (Groenland)

You might like if you enjoy: The Killers, Two Door Cinema Club, Franz Ferdinand  

Tell me more: Lead singer/guitarist Keith Murray and bassist Chris Cain formed W.A.S. after attending Pomona College and relocating to Berkeley in the late ‘90s. With Love and Squalor and its accompanying wry, spiky singles were met with UK success during the 2000s post-punk revival (a deluxe LP reissue drops Oct. 10). Now the NYC-based band is back with this stellar ninth studio album, characterized by an organic sonic approach and a mature, nostalgic mindset. All the tunes are winners. Epic, majestic opener “A Prelude to What” envelops the listener like prime Cocteau Twins, the gilded guitar lines and solo on “What You Want is Gone” evokes Nineties-era Radiohead, while “The Big One” utilizes a quiet/loud dynamic to fine effect and has a Muse-styled guitar solo. Finally, the effervescent “Promise Me” ends everything on wonderous melodic note. Definitely a Best of ’25 contender.

Information: wearescientists.com

Artist: The Black Watch

Title: For All the World (Atom)

You might like if you enjoy: House of Love, My Bloody Valentine, The Cure, Flaming Lips

Tell me more: The Black Watch, the LA-based alternative rock band led by singer/guitarist John Andrew Frederick since 1987, recently released its 25th (and first double) album. Despite clocking in at 67 minutes on CD/LP, For All the World doesn’t feel overstuffed. In fact, the 21 songs here often prove enchanting and thought-provoking. Frederick - who holds a Ph.D. in English, has taught at various California colleges and universities, published novels and poetry – crafts erudite lyrics that stand out from the indie rock competition. There are welcome jangle pop, psychedelia, shoegaze, and post-punk elements throughout. Standouts include a New Order-esque “Not for Us,” the driving, mellotron-infused “Lord Marchpane,” a relaxing European coffeehouse vibe on “There’s a Place,” the baroque string section-enhanced “The Knife Cliché” (bringing to mind early Black Watch) and the haunting acoustic guitar-driven, near-bolero “Spanish Vamp.”   

Information: theblackwatch.bandcamp.com

Artist: Robert Forster

Title: Strawberries (Tapete)

You might like if you enjoy: Robyn Hitchcock, Jarvis Cocker, Jonathan Richman

Tell me more: As the former co-lead singer/guitarist of beloved Brisbane jangle pop band the Go-Betweens, Robert Forster helped craft an acclaimed catalog during the 1980s and 2000s. Strawberries is a fine addition to his solo cannon. Peter Moren (of Peter, Bjorn & John) produced it at his Swedish studio with local musicians as well as adding guitar and backing vocals. This arresting folk-leaning album is highlighted by a breezy “Tell it Back to Me,” the twangy “Good to Cry,” Forster’s playful duet with his wife on the jaunty title track and lean sax-driven rocker “All of the Time.”        

Information: tapeterecords.com

My reviews originally appeared in Desert Star Weekly.

Monday, September 29, 2025

Ohana Festival 2025 Day 1 review - Dana Point, Calif.

Nathan Zucker/Ohana Festival
Whenever Eddie Vedder introduced a music act at Ohana Festival in Dana Point on Friday, he came across like a proud papa who has watched his child grow and flourish. A personal connection to many performers was obvious too. No surprise there: the Pearl Jam leader started the Doheny State Beach event nine years ago and curates the multi-faceted lineup.

Before Kings of Leon took the stage for its dazzling penultimate evening set, Vedder said, “When the idea came upon us to do a music festival close to the beach, this is one of the artists we thought of first” and although it took several years and “lots of effort,” they were finally here.

Vedder also relayed how much he enjoyed watching Seattle indie rock group Deep Sea Diver – whose Ohana set was mighty impressive - open for Pearl Jam on tour last year. Regarding The Breeders’ Kim Deal, he said: “We like our legends living”; On Stereophonics: “I got to know (frontman) Kelly Jones while raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust” (The Who-supported UK charity) and Pearl Jam “shared a stage with them at London’s Hyde Park.”

Earlier this year, Ohana won another prestigious Music Festival of the Year award from industry trade publication Pollstar under the category Global: Under 30K Attendance.

Drawing approximately 15,000 attendees daily, Ohana stands out as being a more relaxed affair than fellow SoCal music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach. With only two side-by-side stages, smartly scheduled set times and less than a dozen acts, catching favorite bands is easy.

The event’s vibe and purpose revolve around informing and celebrating beach culture, particularly at The Cove area, where activists and conservationists enlighten attendees about environmental issues. The Gallery, curated by Charles Adler, features an awesome assortment of classic concert photos and posters, memorabilia and more.

Eddie Vedder and Earthlings (pictured above) delivered an energized 21-song set to close Day 1. The supergroup comprised drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Josh Klinghoffer (RHCP, Pearl Jam), acoustic guitarist/backing vocalist Glen Hansard (Swell Season, Frames), guitarist/backing vocalist/producer Andrew Watt (Rolling Stones), and bassist Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction).

After launching with an instrumental, Earthlings did powerful covers of Pearl Jam’s “Corduroy,” “Lukin,” and “Better Man,” as well as Mono Men’s Sixties garage rock-styled “Watch Outside” and The Who’s “I’m One” (prefaced by a heartfelt introduction about what the legendary British rock band meant to Vedder). Early in the performance, the singer recalled his formative years in Encinitas, surfing his first ocean wave at age 12 and eventually finding “this sacred spot” to present Ohana.

The musicians did some songs from their 2022 studio album “Earthling,” notably the jangly, “Tom Petty-styled “Long Way,” a furious “The Dark,” bolstered by a passionate Vedder vocal and needling guitars, and an intense “Brother the Cloud,” which saw Vedder hunched over a monitor in his "support independent record stores" shirt as he sang. Everyone onstage was having a blast - particularly Watt, who was grinning ear to ear. 

Ashley Osborn/Ohana Festival
Kings of Leon brought its complete eye-catching visual tour presentation for its Ohana debut, which singer/guitarist Caleb Followill (pictured left) admitted was delayed because they had to get “real life” shit together…better late than never.” The alt-rock band was in fine form - you gotta love those family harmonies - throughout the 90-minute, 18-song set which was chock full of soaring anthems dating back to the 2000s. And Bassist Jared Followill still looked as if he just stepped off a runway at New York Fashion Week.   

The guys played two songs from latest studio release “Can We Please Have Fun”: the lean “Mustang” and intense “Seen,” with lyrics flashing on the screens. 

Highlights included “Use Somebody” (where the full-on harmonies still proved shiver-inducing), a gleaming “Manhattan,” the sleek “Revelry,” Matthew Followill’s chunky lead guitar work amid “On Call,” the quieter, folksy “Back Down South,” the driving pace of “Waste a Moment” (bolstered by Matthew’s The Edge-inspired effects) and of course, Kings of Leon’s signature hit closer “Sex on Fire,” where fans sang along loudly.

Dusana Risovic/Ohana Festival
Garbage recently announced that the current tour for latest album “Let All That We Imagine Be the Light” will be its last major one (the band headlines The Palladium on Nov. 5). Kicking things off with “There’s No Future in Optimism,” its compelling single from last spring, the dynamic Ohana set found singer Shirley Manson genuinely complimenting other acts on the bill, admitting to being a fan and admiring how they’ve conducted their careers (Vedder, Jones, Deal). 

Manson was fierce and defiant as ever onstage, even flipping the bird a few times with a sly smile to make some lyrical points. Providing a veritable modern rock hit parade of the past 20 years, Garbage was firing on all mechanical rocking cylinders, especially during “Vow,” “#1 Crush,” “Stupid Girl,” “I Think I’m Paranoid,” and “Push It.”

Lukas Nelson, on the heels of last weekend’s appearances at Farm Aid, brought good old country strains (fiddle, pedal steel) to the beach. The life-affirming, frequently soulful set started with an acoustic guitar-led duet with Vedder on Pearl Jam’s “Just Beathe.” Upon the conclusion, Nelson looked so thrilled and gave the elder musician a big hug. 

Nathan Zucker/Ohana Festival
Nelson and his current backing band (dubbed “The Spread Eagles”) played some terrific Promise of the Real tunes (“Carolina,” “Fool Me Once,” the bluegrass-driven “Ladder of Love,” which segued into dad Willie’s 1974 song “Bloody Mary Morning” and a jaw-dropping “Find Yourself” – handling the Lady Gaga duet parts with ease). Then there was a lovely “Pretty Much” and “Make You Happy” off aptly titled new album “American Romance.”

Stereophonics potently delivered all the rock ‘n’ roll goods, showing why it still headlines huge UK/European festivals after 25+ years. Clad in a black leather jacket, black t-shirt and jeans, Kelly Jones marveled about being at Vedder’s fest, considering he used to do Pearl Jam covers as a young unknown musician. The Welsh rock band began with the in-your-face thrust of “Vegas Two Times.” Jones prompted and effortlessly received audience participation (a Mellotron and Fender Rhodes-infused “Maybe Tomorrow; exhilarating synth-fueled set closer “Dakota,” “There’s Always Gonna Be Something”). 

The latter midtempo tune, off this year’s “Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait,” saw the frontman giving what probably the best advice heard all day long: “Everybody in the world is going through stuff. Leave all your troubles at the door, be present and have a good time (today). Your phone will still be there in the morning.” 

Ashley Osborn/Ohana Festival
Jones (pictured left) has always been an incisive storyteller. Melodic stomping rocker “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” off 2015’s “Keep the Village Alive,” about a couple having an affair, was a prime example. Other high points included a tension-filled “Geronimo,” complete with sax solo, and the breezy singalong “Have a Nice Day,” reminiscent of 1970s American pop.

Kim Deal’s interesting 2024 studio effort “Nobody Loves You More” – primarily recorded by the late, great Steve Albini - is orchestral-tinged, so she brought along a two string and two horn players for an endearingly ragged Ohana set. Her backing band included former Breeders bassist Mando Lopez, who also played on the album. Opening with the charming title track, they did six songs from it. Before an enticing and fun “Coast,” Deal asked the crowd if anyone surfed and confirmed that East Coast Ocean waves are much colder. “Are You Mine” felt like a lullaby; the discordant “Big Ben Beat” was quite strange. The sunny melody of “A Good Time Pushed,” included a refrain that could have summed up everyone’s opinion at that moment: “We are having a good time.” Still, her songs from The Breeders (“No Aloha,” “Cannonball”) and Pixies (“Gigantic”) got the most enthusiastic responses.

Deep Sea Diver was my best new Ohana Fest discovery (in 2024 event, it was Flipturn). The Washington state alt-rock band is led by singer/songwriter Jessica Dobson, whose resume includes past touring/recording work with The Shins, Beck, Spoon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Conor Oberst. With red flower-dotted stage gear, t
he five-piece launched the set with a captivating, synth-driven title track to highly recommended latest album “Billboard Heart,” released via Sub Pop Records earlier this year. 

Nathan Zucker/Ohana Festival
Dobson (pictured left) described the propulsive, percussion heavy winner “What Do I Know” as being a tongue-in-cheek tune about an existential crisis. “Emergency” was equally thrilling. Dobson joked that she tried to dress in clothes suited for the beach, yet ended up looking like a "German school boy." Her drummer/husband Peter Mansen was obviously pleased to be at Ohana. I look forward to checking the band out again sometime in the future.

LA-based indie dream pop vocalist Akira Galaxy has opened for Travis and Silversun Pickups in recent months. Last year, she released the great debut EP “What’s Inside You” and just dropped a cover of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony.” In Dana Point, Galaxy and her band began with the EP’s ethereal title track; it was like a cool ocean breeze. She was all over the stage doing expressive gestures amid the new wave-leaning standout “Hit the Ground.” A slowly unravelling take on Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” proved hypnotic and different attitude-laden song showed she could also rock out with abandon. In fact, Galaxy’s electric guitarist apparently played his strings so hard that at one point, blood was splattered across the instrument’s bridge.

A version of my review originally appeared at ocregister.com.
Photos courtesy of C3 Presents.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Duran Duran returns to Southern California and Western U.S. with new concert dates

Exciting news about the added SoCal dates for #DuranDuran. I reviewed the band's fantastic show at Cruel World Festival '24. See it here:
Rock Cellar Magazine - Highlights from Cruel World Festival 2024: Blondie, Duran Duran, Simple Minds Transfix the Masses (Festival Recap)

Duran Duran will perform live at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs on December 30 as part of their Invisible Days Tour. Tickets will be available through an Artist VIP presale beginning Wednesday at 10:00 AM local time through Thursday at 10:00 PM local time.

A local presale will follow on Thursday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM local, with the public on-sale beginning Friday at 10:00 AM local time via Ticketmaster.com

Also on the tour schedule: Las Vegas, Anaheim and Phoenix. See full list below. 

Additionally, Acrisure Arena invites fans to enhance their concert experience by upgrading to the Silvercrest Compound, an exclusive outdoor VIP premium space just steps from the stage. Silvercrest Compound offers a hosted full-service bar (spirits for purchase), a generous buffet, and unique amenities such as cozy fire pits, mini golf, bocce ball, and more. Learn more HERE. To purchase tickets to the Silvercrest Compound for Duran Duran on December 30, 2025, please click HERE.

The tour news arrives following the band's spring launch of two new perfumes, crafted in collaboration with luxury Italian perfume house, Xerjoff. The fragrances are NeoRio and Black Moonlight - the latter named after the lead single from their current album ‘Danse Macabre’. Watch the music video filmed by legendary Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund (Madonna, Beyoncé, Metallica, Lady Gaga) HERE.

Duran Duran have also been in the studio together this year working on new material – most recently with Nile Rodgers at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Tour Dates:

12/30 Thousand Palms, CA
1/1-2 Las Vegas, NV
1/4 San Diego, CA
1/5 Phoenix, AZ
1/8 Anaheim, CA
1/9 Sacramento, CA

duranduran.com

Coachella Festival 2026 Lineup and On Sale Details Revealed

Coachella returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA for two weekends set for April 10 – 12 and April 17 – 19, 2026 with SABRINA CARPENTER, JUSTIN BIEBER, KAROL G, ANYMA, THE XX, THE STROKES, YOUNG THUG, BIG BANG + many more.

Register now for access to passes at coachella.com. Passes go on sale Friday at 11 a.m.  2024/2025 attendees and purchasers get early access starting Thursday, September 18 at 11am PT. For your best chance at passes, look to Weekend 2. Put $49 down with the payment plan and you're in. 

New for 2026: Group camping available for large groups to camp together, minimum 10 spots per group. Plus, returning again this April, flexible camping options like Ready-Set and La Campana tent camping for fans looking for more comfort during their desert stay.

YouTube returns in 2026 as the exclusive livestream partner for both Coachella weekends on the official YouTube channel; on demand and via Shorts.

Official Hotel Packages that bundle festival passes with local lodging and transportation are available now for Weekend 1 and Weekend 2, sold exclusively through Valley Music Travel.

For more festival information and updates, please visit www.coachella.com.

Friday, September 12, 2025

Blondie's 1999 comeback album 'No Exit' gets the spruced-up treatment next month

Blondie’s No Exit—the 1999 comeback that marked their return after a 17-year hiatus—is being reissued in a newly remastered and expanded Deluxe Edition, out October 31 via BMG. It is now available on vinyl for the very first time. 

The No Exit Deluxe Edition will be available digitally and in three physical formats: a 2CD set, crystal glass clear 2LP and black 2LP vinyl pressings. All formats include the remastered original album—featuring the global hit “Maria”—alongside remixes, new liner notes, and “Hot Shot,” a track previously released only in Japan, now widely available for the first time with additional production and mix.

The updated design was done by original album photographer and creative director Rob Roth returning to work on all the new packaging. A longtime creative collaborator of Harry and Stein, Roth—now a respected figure in the visual and performance art world—shot the album’s original artwork inside the seminal NYC nightclub Mother. 

“I was kind of obsessed with the concept of surveillance at the time,” recalls Roth. “To me, it made perfect sense conceptually and creatively.” 

The album reunited Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Clem Burke, and Jimmy Destri, who began writing and recording in Stein’s Tribeca basement studio before continuing sessions at Electric Lady Studios and Chung King. They were joined by bassist Leigh Foxx and guitarist Paul Carbonara. 

Producing it was Craig Leon, a veteran of the 1970s New York punk scene whose credits include early work with the Ramones, Suicide, Talking Heads, and Richard Hell & the Voidoids. Leon had also been involved in Blondie’s earliest recordings—most notably their 1976 debut single “X Offender.”

"We made an effort to not do anything that was predictable while also including a few of those little pop ditties that Blondie became known for,” says Debbie Harry.

The album’s title—No Exit, a nod to Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist play in which three people are locked in a room together for eternity—emerged spontaneously during a rehearsal when Clem Burke kept repeating the phrase. “We were working in my basement and Clem just started yelling ‘No Exit,’ ‘No Exit,’ ‘No Exit.’ He kept saying it over and over again. We couldn’t shut him up,” explains Chris Stein. “But it was a clever concept. We all liked it.”

Originally released in February 1999, No Exit reestablished Blondie’s global presence. “Maria” became their sixth UK #1—two decades after “Heart of Glass” topped the charts. The title track “No Exit” featured a guest verse from Coolio. “Under the Gun,” a tribute to Jeffrey Lee Pierce, and “Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room,” Clem Burke’s songwriting debut with the band, reflect the album’s deep range. No Exit also sparked Blondie’s longest-running tour to date—a 13-month global run. 

This Deluxe Edition arrives with added poignancy, as it was completed before Clem Burke’s passing earlier this year. A founding member and the band’s rhythmic foundation for over four decades, Clem’s energy and precision are deeply felt across No Exit. 

Blondie’s No Exit Deluxe Edition will be released digitally, on 2CD, and a 2LP vinyl set via BMG on October 31, 2025. To preorder, visit https://blondie.lnk.to/NoExit2025PR.

2CD & Digital Versions of NO EXIT (REMASTERED & EXPANDED):

CD 1
Screaming Skin (2025 Remaster)
Forgive and Forget (Pull Down the Night) (2025 Remaster)
Maria (2025 Remaster)
No Exit (2025 Remaster)
Double Take (2025 Remaster)
Nothing Is Real But the Girl (2025 Remaster)
Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room (2025 Remaster)
Night Wind Sent (2025 Remaster)
Under the Gun (For Jeffrey Lee Pierce) (2025 Remaster)
Out In the Streets (2025 Remaster)
Happy Dog (For Caggy) (2025 Remaster)
The Dream's Lost On Me (2025 Remaster)
Divine (2025 Remaster)
Dig Up the Conjo (2025 Remaster)

CD2
Hot Shot (David Wrench Mix)
Maria (Ether Dub Mix)
Nothing Is Real But the Girl (Boilerhouse Lounge Mix)
No Exit feat. Coolio & Loud Allstars (Urban Version Main Mix)
Maria (Talvin Singh Rhythmic Remix Edit)
Nothing Is Real But the Girl (Danny Tenaglia Heart Of Trance Mix)
Forgive and Forget (Pull Down the Night) (Ben's Mix)
Maria (White Trash Mix)

Everclear marks 'Sparkle and Fade' album's 30th Anniversary with expanded reissue, tour with Local H, Sponge

Everclear, the Portland, Oregon alternative rock band led by Art Alexakis, has announced the Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Remastered Deluxe Edition will be released on October 31 on double translucent kelly green vinyl and digital via Universal Music Group.

Featuring the modern rock radio chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” the new, expanded edition of the band's platinum-selling, major-label debut album features all 14 original tracks, plus a second record of bonus content pulled from the vault, featuring unreleased tracks, alternate versions of fan favorites, and original demos, as well as cover songs that were recorded around the same time as the original Sparkle and Fade sessions.

Full track listing below. To pre-order, PRESS HERE.

Founding member Art Alexakis (vocals, guitar), plus Davey French (guitar), Freddy Herrera (bass), and Brian Nolan (drums) are currently on the Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour, with special guests Local H and Sponge, until November 2. See below for full list of upcoming tour dates. Visit www.everclearmusic.com/tour for all details and to purchase tickets and VIP packages.

Track Listing

Disc 1 – Side 1

1. Electra Made Me Blind
2. Heroin Girl
3. You Make Me Feel Like A Whore
4. Santa Monica
5. Summerland
6. Strawberry
7. Heartspark Dollarsign

Disc 1 - Side 2

1. The Twistinside
2. Her Brand New Skin
3. Nehalem
4. Queen Of The Air
5. Pale Green Stars
6. Chemical Smile
7. My Sexual Life

Disc 2 – Side 1

1. Hateful
2. Rocket Tattoo
3. Annabella’s Song
4. Happy Hour

Disc 2 – Side 2

1. American Girl
2. Don’t Change
3. Sin City
4. Walk Don’t Run

TOUR DATES: 

Sunday, September 14 Tacoma, WA @ Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel – SOLD OUT
Tuesday, September 16 Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall
Wednesday, September 17 Livingston, MT @ Pine Creek Lodge
Friday, September 19 Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre – SOLD OUT
Saturday, September 20 Lubbock, TX @ The Buddy Holly Hall
Sunday, September 21 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion
Tuesday, September 23 Austin, TX @ The Paramount Theatre
Thursday, September 25 Dallas, TX @ Legacy Hall – SOLD OUT
Friday, September 26 St. Charles, MO @ The Family Arena
Saturday, September 27 Kokomo, IN @ Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion
Sunday, September 28 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
Friday, October 3 Pelham, TN @ The Caverns
Saturday, October 4 Sugar Hill, GA @ The Eagle Theatre – SOLD OUT
Sunday, October 5 Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
Tuesday, October 7 Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live
Wednesday, October 8 Clearwater, FL @ Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
Thursday, October 9 Fort Lauderdale, FL @ The Parker
Saturday, October 11 Fort Pierce, FL @ Sunrise Theatre
Sunday, October 12 Ponte Vedra, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Tuesday, October 14 Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall
Thursday, October 16 Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre
Friday, October 17 Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
Saturday, October 18 Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Lanes
Sunday, October 19 Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
Tuesday, October 21 Boston, MA @ Big Night Live
Wednesday, October 22 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Thursday, October 23 New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place
Friday, October 24 Bensalem, PA @ Xcite Center at Parx Casino
Saturday, October 25 Washington, DC @ Black Cat – SOLD OUT
Monday, October 27 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
Tuesday, October 28 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
Thursday, October 30 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Friday, October 31 McHenry, IL @ The Vixen
Saturday, November 1 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue – SOLD OUT
Sunday, November 2 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall – SOLD OUT

Bonus tracks are part of special edition of Eric Clapton's 'Journeyman'

Bushbranch/Surfdog Records presents Eric Clapton's remastered special edition of his 1989 album Journeyman with four new bonus tracks. Journeyman: Deluxe Edition will be available digitally and on CD/LP on November 21. Previously unreleased song “Forever” written by Jerry Williams and its accompanying music video is out now. Pre-order Journeyman: Deluxe Edition and listen to/watch “Forever” HERE.

There are three previously unreleased tracks uncovered from the original recording sessions plus an additional bonus track. The album features “Pretending,” “Bad Love,” and “Running on Faith,” with guest performances from George Harrison, Phil Collins, Chaka Khan, Daryl Hall, Robert Cray, and more.

Clapton says, “Journeyman . . . It’s what I want to be known as; I like to think I’m a craftsman. I think I’m always working on mastering my craft."

TRACKLISTING:

1. Pretending
2. Anything For Your Love
3. Bad Love
4. Running on Faith
5. Hard Times
6. Hound Dog
7. No Alibis
8. Run So Far
9. Old Love
10. Breaking Point
11. Lead Me On
12. Before You Accuse Me
13. Higher Power (Bonus Track)
14. Border Song (Bonus Track)
15. Forever (Bonus Track)
16. That Kind of Woman (Bonus Track)

US Shows:

Nashville, TN
Bridgestone Arena
Monday, September 8, 2025

Cleveland, OH
Rocket Arena
Thursday, September 11, 2025

Philadelphia, PA
Wells Fargo Center
Saturday, September 13, 2025

Boston, MA
TD Garden
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
Friday, September 19, 2025

Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Arena
Saturday, September 20, 2025

Next month, Pulp's 1995 album 'Different Class' to get deluxe reissue

Pulp will reissue their 1995 Mercury Prize winning and chart-topping album, Different Class, on October 24 via Island Records/UMe. The album will be available as both a quadruple LP set and on double CD format and is expanded to include their 1995 Glastonbury Festival set in full. It will be the first time that the Glastonbury performance has been released.

Following the release of Pulp’s recent number one album More and an acclaimed UK and Ireland arena tour, European headline shows and a weekend-defining set at this year's Glastonbury Festival - the reissue of Different Class builds on what has already been a very special year for the group.

Jarvis Cocker explains how this new edition presents the album in an improved format, “This 45rpm double album version of Different Class will make it sound a whole lot better. We were obsessed with the fact that this was our 'Pop' album (we had finally achieved some 'popularity' when 'Common People' was a hit) and, as everyone knows, all pop albums have 12 songs on them: 6 tracks per side. Only problem: this took the running time of the record to 53 minutes. We were told this would compromise the audio quality of the vinyl record - but we were more bothered about not compromising the quality of our Pop Dream"...

"The Glastonbury performance in June 1995 will always be the most significant concert of Pulp’s career. Three weeks after “Common People” hit No. 2 in the national charts the band filled in for The Stone Roses at the last minute. We played 'Sorted For E’s & Wizz,' 'Mis-Shapes' & 'Disco 2000' - all receiving their live debut. This is first time the whole concert (including the long, drone-based intro) has been made available. Your chance to relive an historical moment."

The deluxe 4LP set includes a 28-page booklet with a newly commission essay based on new interviews with the band members, plus unseen images from photographers Rankin and Donald Milne (who took the photos for the original release) and the band’s own archives. The original "aperture" sleeve design, which encouraged purchasers to "Choose your own front cover," came with six double-sided inserts/art cards of alternative cover images depicting cardboard cutouts of the band members captured in a variety of situations. This has been fully recreated for the LP set, which will also include a 12" by 12" poster featuring miniatures of the cutouts themselves, which fans can excise if they wish and place in the settings of their choice. The 2CD set comes housed in a digi-sleeve with 28-page booklet.

The remastering/mastering (and lacquer cutting) by Geoff Pesche at Abbey Road, who co-mastered alongside Kevin Metcalfe, Different Class for its initial release three decades ago, has been overseen by Jarvis Cocker and Mark Webber.

LPs 1 and 2 - Original album remastered

Side One
1. Mis-Shapes 
2. Pencil Skirt 
3. Common People 

Side Two
1. I Spy 
2. Disco 2000
3. Live Bed Show 

Side Three
1. Something Changed
2. Sorted For E’s & Wizz
3. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.

Side Four
1. Underwear
2. Monday Morning
3. Bar Italilia

LPs 3 And 4 - Live At Glastonbury, 1995

Side One
1. Common People Drone Intro
2. Do You Remember The First Time? 
3. Razzmatazz 
4. Monday Morning 

Side Two
1. Underwear 
2. Sorted For E’s & Wizz 
3. Disco 2000 
4. Joyriders

Side Three
1. Acrylic Afternoons 
2. Mis-Shapes 
3. Pink Glove

Side Four
1. Babies 
2. Common People 

NORTH AMEIRCAN TOUR DATES

September 16 - Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
September 17 - Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple
September 20 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
September 22 - Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
September 25 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
September 26 - Los Angeles @ Hollywood Bowl

Out now: 'Clams Casino' by Brian Dunne

NYC-based indie rock singer/songwriter Brian Dunne released new album Clams Casino last week on Missing Piece Records.

He describes the song "Max's Kansas City" as "stream-of-consciousness lyrical madness about all the things that drive me nuts”...“I truly wrote it for myself. I was completely alone on a hellish tour of Europe, and it rained like 17 days I was there. I was like, 'What does it all mean?!' I wrote this song to be like, 'It means nothing.' Loosen up! Have a beer. Talk to some strangers. So your fate has been predetermined, and you aren’t the bourgeoisie? That’s alright."


Over the summer, John Mayer drew attention to Dunne by playing the album's title track on his SiriusXM show. 

Clams Casino, the album, was self-produced at Dunne's home in Red Hook, Brooklyn. His fourth solo album follows his 2023 release Loser on the Ropes and two releases from Fantastic Cat. Accompanying himself on nearly all instruments, Dunne sought inspiration from an era of classic rock that tentatively embraced the new wave sound of the late-’70s, incorporating keyboards and synths without delving fully into the digital gloss of the CD era.

Brian Dunne has shared bills with Cat Power to Caroline Rose, performed on songs with Lizzie No ("Lagunita") and Caitlin Rose ("The Kids Are All Grown"), and in 2021 landed an unexpected hit in the Netherlands with his standalone single “New Tattoo,” which led to him performing to an audience of 17,000 at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome. 

Track list:

1. Clams Casino
2. Rockland County
3. Graveyard
4. Play The Hits
5. Fake Version Of The Real Thing
6. Some Room Left
7. Gracie Mansion
8. I Watched The Light
9. Max's Kansas City
10. Living It Backwards

Tour Dates:

October 8 – Vienna, VA @ Jammin' Java
October 9 – Durham, NC @ Rubie's on Five Points
October 10 – Charlotte, NC @ Evening Muse
October 12 – Atlanta, GA @ Eddie's Attic
October 13 – Nashville, TN @ The East Room
October 15 – Indianapolis, IN @ Duke's / Freeform Series
October 16 – Columbus, OH @ Woodlands Tavern
October 17 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Warhol
October 18 – Lake Orion, MI @ 20 Front St
October 19 – Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
October 21 – Northampton, MA @ Parlor Room
October 22 – Portsmouth, NH @ Press Room
October 23 – Boston, MA @ Rockwell
October 24 – Philadelphia, PA @ WCL Upstairs
October 25 – Hudson, NY @ Park Theater

Juliana Hatfield's 'Lightning Might Strike' arrives in December

Juliana Hatfield's new single “Scratchers” is out with a new video. It is from her 21st solo album Lightning Might Strike, available December 12 via American Laundromat Records. Pre-orders are currently available for CD, cassette, and LP in 4 vinyl color options. Signed copies, limited-edition bundles, and test pressings are also available. Learn more at American Laundromat Records.

The album captures a period of major change. “It was a difficult time for me when I started working on this album. I had just uprooted myself from the city apartment building where I’d been living for twenty years to a house in a more rural town two hours away where I knew no one when one of my best friends died (‘Ashes’), and then my dog died (‘Constant Companion’), then my mother was diagnosed with esophagus cancer (‘Scratchers’). I was pretty depressed for a solid year (‘Long Slow Nervous Breakdown’) and was lost and very lonely (‘Harmonizing With Myself’). I was thinking about fate and circumstance and about how I’d ended up where I was (‘Where Are You Now’).”

Track Listing:

1. Fall Apart (3:38)
2. Long Slow Nervous Breakdown (2:30)
3. Popsicle (3:20)
4. My House Is Not My Dream House (3:36)
5. Harmonizing With Myself (3:31)
6. Scratchers (3:31)
7. Constant Companion (4:01)
8. Where Are You Now (3:53)
9. Strong Too Long (3:27)
10. Wouldn't Change Anything (4:09)
11. Ashes (2:55)
12. All I've Got (2:38)

'Wings,' a new retrospective on Paul McCartney & Wings, slated for November

WINGS is a new anthology of the popular band that was a major part of 1970s music. Overseen by Paul McCartney, WINGS will be available on Nov. 7 and includes hits like “Band on the Run, “Live and Let Die,” “Jet” and “Let 'Em In” that still feature in Paul McCartney’s live shows to this day.

All physical formats come with a booklet including an introduction from Paul. Configurations include the 3LP Limited Edition Color Vinyl collection, 1CD and 1LP. Both 3LP and 2CD editions include an expanded 32-page booklet featuring photographs, artwork, paintings, trivia, and information about the band. 

Artwork for WINGS was overseen alongside Paul by Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell of Hipgnosis -- the iconic design studio that worked with Paul for seven Wings albums, including Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, Wings Over America, and Wings Greatest. The expanded booklet includes extensive album-by-album notes on the artwork written by Po, with additional editorial by Pete Paphides, and features original artwork by Humphrey Ocean – who first worked with Wings on some of the artwork for Wings at the Speed of Sound before being invited by Paul and Linda on tour in 1976 as their artist in residence — rendering behind-the-scenes sketches of the band.

The Blu-ray version of WINGS is the first time Wings songs are available on a physical format in Dolby Atmos. See a complete list of formats and/or preorder: WINGS Collection

Watch the trailer HERE

TRACK LISTINGS:
3LP / 2CD / Blu-ray / Digital

Band on the Run (2010 Remaster)
Hi, Hi, Hi (2018 Remaster)
Silly Love Songs (2014 Remaster)
Letting Go (2014 Remaster)
Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five (2010 Remaster)
Live and Let Die (2018 Remaster)
Mamunia (2010 Remaster)
Junior’s Farm (2014 Remaster)
Helen Wheels (2022 Remaster)
Some People Never Know (2018 Remaster)
Let ’Em In (2014 Remaster)
Get on the Right Thing (2018 Remaster)
Jet (2010 Remaster)
My Love (2018 Remaster)
Call Me Back Again (2014 Remaster)
Getting Closer (2022 Remaster)
Listen to What the Man Said (2014 Remaster)
I’ve Had Enough (2022 Remaster)
Love Is Strange (2018 Remaster)
London Town (2022 Remaster)
Arrow Through Me (2016 Remaster)
Venus and Mars/Rock Show (2022 Remaster)
She’s My Baby (2014 Remaster)
Bluebird (2010 Remaster)
Deliver Your Children (2022 Remaster)
Let Me Roll It (2010 Remaster)
Mull of Kintyre (2016 Remaster)
Wild Life (2018 Remaster)
C Moon (2018 Remaster)
With a Little Luck (2018 Remaster)
Soily
Goodnight Tonight (2016 Remaster)

Gorillaz, led by Damon Albarn, announce 2026 return with 'The Mountain'

Gorillaz will release a new studio album, The Mountain, on March 20 via Kong. First track "The Happy Dictator (feat. Sparks)" is out now, listen HERE. Watch visualizer HERE.

The Mountain is Gorillaz’ ninth studio album. It features Johnny Marr, Sparks, Paul Simonon of The Clash, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, IDLES, and more, plus the voices of friends and collaborators who have gone before us, including Dennis Hopper, Bobby Womack, Mark E Smith of The Fall, and Tony Allen. 

Artists perform in five languages on the album: Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish and Yoruba.

The artwork for The Mountain sees visual artist Jamie Hewlett again handle the hand-drawn images which capture Murdoc, Noodle, Russel and 2D’s time in India working on the new album, available both as a book and as a collection of 12x12 prints.

A tour will visit arenas across the UK and Ireland in Spring 2026, and follows the sold-out 5-star House of Kong exhibition and four performances at the UK's Copper Box Arena. A 
one-off headline show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20 has support from Sparks. Dates and ticket information below and at Gorillaz.com.

Circumstances now find Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs, 2D and Noodle in India, having made their way to Mumbai with the help of four fake passports courtesy of a New York business acquaintance of Murdoc. The band has turned its back on international pop stardom, with our heroes now immersed in the rhythms of mystical music-making, as they navigate the mountainous terrain of this thing called life.

Gorillaz drummer Russel Hobbs said - “As space dust we are here forever and that’s a mighty long time. This is a musical meditation infused with light. A journey of the soul, with beats…“

Fans around the world celebrated the return of Kong Studios - the home of Gorillaz. The band’s HQ since early 2000 (before falling into disrepair and eventually being burnt to the ground by Murdoc in 2008), the original Kong Studios was a ground-breaking virtual gathering place for fans, allowing them to connect and explore the band’s living quarters and recording studio, listen to music, play games, fight zombies, and much more. Now faithfully restored to its former glory, Kong Studios is back with a fresh lick of paint as a gamified, online fan experience. Visit Kong Studios HERE.

The Mountain will be available in the following formats: Digital Download; Standard CD; Deluxe 2CD (incl. selection of Mystery Show live tracks); Standard Vinyl; Hardback Book Vinyl Edition; Limited Edition Collectors Box (incl. Art Prints). Pre-order HERE.

Track listing:

The Mountain (feat. Dennis Hopper, Ajay Prasanna, Anoushka Shankar, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash)
The Moon Cave (feat. Asha Puthli, Bobby Womack, Dave Jolicoeur, Jalen Ngonda and Black Thought)
The Happy Dictator (feat. Sparks)
The Hardest Thing (feat. Tony Allen)
Orange County (feat. Bizarrap, Kara Jackson and Anoushka Shankar)
The God of Lying (feat. IDLES)
The Empty Dream Machine (feat. Black Thought, Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar)
The Manifesto (feat. Trueno and Proof)
The Plastic Guru (feat. Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar)
Delirium (feat. Mark E. Smith)
Damascus (feat. Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey)
The Shadowy Light (feat. Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Ajay Prasanna, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash)
Casablanca (feat. Paul Simonon and Johnny Marr)
The Sweet Prince (feat. Ajay Prasanna, Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar)'
The Sad God (feat. Black Thought, Ajay Prasanna and Anoushka Shankar)

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Expanded reissue of Dream Syndicate's second album 'Medicine Show' to arrive in October, with U.S. tour to follow

After a long-protracted debate with Universal Music Group – Dream Syndicate revealed that it has earned the right to reissue their sophomore album Medicine Show from 1984 as a new, 42 song 4CD box expanded collection featuring 29 unreleased recordings from the band's 1983-84 era via their own Down There label, distributed by Fire Records.

This expanded deluxe edition CD collection features previously unreleased 1983-84 live recordings, radio sessions, rehearsals, demos and other unreleased from the band’s archive. A stand alone classic original album will also be available on vinyl.

A North American tour runs from 11/1-12/14. Click here to purchase tickets

“Let’s see—it took 6 months to make and over 30 years to get Medicine Show back in print,” said Steve Wynn of The Dream Syndicate. “I’d like to think that in both cases it was worth the wait. I can’t wait to get out there and revisit, inhabit and play the whole album on stage every night.”

The box set offers for the first time ever, the complete WXRT radio broadcast from the master tape (the original A&M Live LP was truncated) – plus rehearsal and live tapes of original bassist Kendra Smith – just before she exited the band.

The unreleased tracks are part of the untold story of Medicine Show – early primitive versions of original songs, cover songs that the band mangled into new forms, finding themselves along the way. No longer, can anyone say “you should have heard the original 1982 lineup on stage” – no, if you skipped the band performing 1983-84, you missed out. Shows from CBGB’s, Zaders, Soap Creek – reveal incendiary magic. In addition to the live shows, the remastered studio album (from the original analog tapes), now sounds as Steve recently declared, “as I remember hearing it while we mixed it”

Like many other psychologically complex albums upon their release, Lou’s Berlin, Neil’s On the Beach, Big Star Third, John Lennon’s solo debut Plastic Ono Band, The Who’s Quadrophenia, Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks - it takes a while, sometimes a long while to let it marinate into the psyche of the listener. The Medicine Show has arrived – long overdue.

For those who have read Steve Wynn’s recent memoir I Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t True (Jawbone Press, 2024) – you know about the ‘breakdown’ he suffered while recording this album. 

Reissue producer/band historian Pat Thomas listened to dozens of rare tapes, choosing what needed to be mastered. 

Track Listing:

MEDICINE SHOW: I Know What You Like (4 CD Deluxe Edition)

DISC ONE: (REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL ANALOG TAPES)

1. Still Holding On To You
2. Daddy's Girl
3. Burn
4. Armed With An Empty Gun
5. Bullet With My Name On It
6. The Medicine Show
7. John Coltrane Stereo Blues
8. Merrittville

UNRELEASED BONUS TRACKS
9. John Coltrane Stereo Blues (album outtake)
10. The Medicine Show (solo acoustic)
11. John Coltrane Stereo Blues (live - WMMS June 1983)

DISC TWO:

THIS IS NOT THE NEW DREAM SYNDICATE ALBUM... LIVE!
REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL ANALOG TAPES.
THE COMPLETE WXRT JULY 1984 CHICAGO CONCERT FOR THE FIRST TIME

1. Tell Me When It's Over
2. Bullet With My Name On It
3. Armed With An Empty Gun
4. The Medicine Show
5. John Coltrane Stereo Blues
6. Burn (previously unreleased)
7. The Days of Wine and Roses (previously unreleased)

UNRELEASED BONUS TRACKS
LIVE - LUND. SWEDEN SEPTEMBER 13, 1984 (WITH MARK)
8. John Coltrane Stereo Blues
LIVE - THE STONE. SAN FRANCISCO NOVEMBER 30,1984 (WITH MARK)
9. Bullet With My Name On It
10. Witness
REHEARSAL JULY 25,1983 (WITH DAVE)
11. Weathered And Torn

DISC THREE:
THE ROAD TO MEDICINE SHOW
ALL RECORDINGS PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED.

LIVE - CBGBS (WITH DAVE)
1. Still Holding On To You
2. Armed With An Empty Gun
3. Let It Rain
4. The Medicine Show
5. Bullet With My Name On It
6. John Coltrane Stereo Blues
7. Burn
8. Morning Dew

REHEARSAL WITH KENDRA
9. Burn

REHEARSAL WITH SANDY PEARLMAN
10. John Coltrane Stereo Blues

DISC FOUR:
WHAT IS AND WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE
ALL RECORDINGS PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED LIVE-

CLUB ZADAR. NEW HOPE. PA (WITH DAVE)
1. Susie Q
2. Evil Ways
3.Don't Fear The Reaper
4. Bullet With My Name On It

LIVE- SOAP CREEK SALOON AUSTIN. TX FEBRUARY 6,1983
(WITH KENDRA)
5. Still Holding On To You
6. Born On The Bayou
7. Don't Fear The Reaper

REHEARSAL WITH KENDRA DECEMBER 1982
8. Still Holding On To You
9. Armed With An Empty Gun

LIVE - JAPAN DECEMBER 1984
(WITH MARK)
10. Witness