Johnnyswim live album, Palladia concert on the way

JOHNNYSWIM: Live at Rockwood, the new live album from the acclaimed husband-and-wife team, will be released February 5 on Big Picnic Records.

The special release was recorded at two sold-out performances at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City over the summer and highlights the band’s live show. The album includes songs off the duo’s critically acclaimed debut album Diamonds.

In addition, Palladia will air footage of the band performing six songs from the live album recording on January 26.

Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano-Ramirez make up JOHNNYSWIM. Amanda was exposed to music at a young age with musicians as parents, while Abner studied music at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in his native Jacksonville, Florida. The two met in 2006 and started collaborating musically after discovering their similar influences of folk, soul and rock.
 
TRACK LIST:

1. Don’t Let It Get Your Down
2. You and I
3. Trouble
4. Adelina
5. Over – I Wish You Love
6. Pay Dearly
7. Live While We’re Young
8. Rescue You (Live at Sound Check)
9. Take The World
10. Diamonds
11. Home
12. Annie

www.johnnyswim.com/

'On the Record: Vol. 3' companion to tonight's episode of "Nashville" out now

Big Machine Records enhances the genuine music experience portrayed on the ABC hit series with the release of Nashville On the Record: Volume 3, available today across all digital retailers: http://smarturl.it/NOTRv3.

In conjunction with the soundtrack, a one-hour special of the same name airs tonight on ABC at 10:00P ET and shadows storylines from the hit series.

Alongside the cast performances and a behind-the-scenes look at touring, Nashville On the Record also features interviews with NASHVILLE Executive Producer Steve Buchanan; Lennon and Maisy’s real-life parents Brad and Marylynne Stella; show band leader Colin Linden and show musician Brandon Young.

Star actors Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Will Chase as Luke Wheeler, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Maisy Stella as Daphne Conrad, Lennon Stella as Maddie Conrad and Aubrey Peeples as Layla Grant once again lend their voices to both the album and television event.

Big Machine Records has produced the soundtracks for all four seasons of NASHVILLE alongside LionsGate and ABC Studios.

TRACKLISTING:
 
1. “My Song” Performed By Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio, Brandon Robert Young
2. “Whiskey Lips” Performed By Charles Esten
3. “Being Alone” Performed By Chris Carmack
4. “Ho Hey” Performed By Lennon & Maisy Stella
5. “Believing” Performed By Charles Esten, Lennon & Maisy Stella
6. “He Ain’t Me” Performed By Charles Esten
7. “When You Open Your Eyes” Performed By Sam Palladio
8. “And Then We’re Gone” Performed By Charles Esten, Chris Carmack, Aubrey Peeples, Clare Bowen, Brandon Robert Young, Sam Palladio
9. “Friend Of Mine” Performed By Charles Esten, Lennon & Maisy Stella, Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Sam Palladio, Aubrey Peeples
10. “A Life That’s Good” Performed By Charles Esten, Lennon & Maisy Stella, Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Sam Palladio, Aubrey Peeples

BONUS TRACK:
11. “It Wouldn’t Be This” Performed By The Stellas

NASHVILLE airs on ABC Wednesdays at 10/9c. Watch full episodes at www.ABC.com/Nashville.

2016 Album Reissue News: Game Theory, JD Souther

Some cool new reissues are on the way early in the new year. Read more from the press releases below... 

When Game Theory emerged with their fourth full-length release in 1987, there was not only a new line-up of the band, but it took two LPs to capture all of the magic. Once again produced by Mitch Easter (R.E.M., Pavement, Let’s Active), Lolita Nation was the culmination of all that had come before, and pushed the boundaries far further than Game Theory had gone before.

Lolita Nation became their most critically acclaimed work — grabbing a Bay Area Music Award (BAMMY) nomination for Outstanding Independent Label Album in 1988. It has since been revered as a classic by fans and critics, though — sadly — it has remained out of print for quarter of a century.
 
As Omnivore Recordings continues to reintroduce this seminal band to the masses, Lolita Nation now requires a second CD to collect alternate mixes, live recordings, and radio sessions. The original’s 27 tracks are joined by 21 bonus performances.

In addition to the previously unheard and much sought-after eight-minute version of “Chardonnay” and illuminating alternate mixes of key album tracks, the bonus material features covers of David Bowie, The Modern Lovers, Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello, The Smiths, The Stooges, Joy Division, The Hollies, and Public Image Ltd. Classics and a never before heard song by Scott Miller from Lolita Nation era. Truly as eclectic and all-encompassing as Lolita Nation itself, and just as revolutionary.
 
Omnivore’s deluxe reissue of Lolita Nation will be available Feb. 5 as a double CD, Digital and double LP (first pressing on translucent dark green vinyl, with black to follow). The LP contains a download card for the entire 48-track CD program. All formats feature new liner notes from Okkervil River’s Will Sheff, interviews with the band and original album contributors and previously unseen photos.

Reissue co-producer Dan Vallor notes: “Lolita Nation is the middle child of Game Theory’s San Francisco period. The three albums of this era are like an advancing, engulfing, and receding aural storm, with Lolita Nation its tempest. The Big Shot Chronicles has warmth and elegance, but also sadness and anger expressed in ways that Scott Miller hadn’t mined before. It’s like a child’s eyes opening to coming maturity, seeing the world as new and different and romantic; yet also a provocation to petulance and indignation.” (Reissues of both Big Shot Chronicles and Two Steps From the Middle Ages will be forthcoming to round out the core catalog).

Track Listing:

Disc One:
 
1. Kenneth-What’s The Frequency?
2. Not Because You Can
3. Shard
4. Go Ahead, You’re Dying To
5. Dripping With Looks
6. Exactly What We Don’t Want To Hear
7. We Love You Carol And Alison
8. The Waist And The Knees
9. Nothing New
10. The World’s Easiest Job
11. Look Away
12. Slip
13. The Real Shelia
14. Andy In Ten Years
15. Watch Who You’re Calling Space Garbage Meteor Mouth • Pretty Green Card Shark
16. Where They Have To Let You In
17. Turn Me On Dead Man
18. Mammoth Gardens
19. Little Ivory
20. Museums Of Hopelessness
21. Toby Ornette
22. All Clockwork And No Bodily Fluids Makes Hal A Dull Metal Humbert • In Heaven Every Elephant Baby Wants To Be So Full Of Sting • Paul Simon In The Park With Canticle • But You Can’t Pick Your Friends • Vaccuum Genesis • Defmacros • Howsometh • Ingdotime • Salengths • Omethingl • Etbfollow • Aafternoo • Ngetprese • Ntmomenti • Fthingswo • Ntalwaysb • Ethiswayt • Bcacausea • Bwasteaft • Ernoonwhe • Neqbmeret • Urnfromsh • Owlittleg • Reenplace • 27
23. One More For Saint Michael
24. Choose Between Two Sons
25. Chardonnay
26. Last Day That We’re Young
27. Together Now, Very Minor

Disc Two

1. Chardonnay (Long Version)
2. Dripping With Looks (Rough Mix W/ Alternate Vocal)
3. One More For St. Michael (Live)
4. Carrie Anne (Live)
5. The Waist And The Knees (Rehearsal Demo)
6. Tiny Steps (Radio Session)
7. We Love You Carol And Alison (Radio Session)
8. Gimme Danger (Radio Session)
9. Love Will Tear Us Apart (Live)
10. Andy In Ten Years (Rough Mix W/ Alternate Vocal)
11. Candidate (Live)
12. Little Ivory (Rehearsal Demo)
13. These Things Take Time (Radio Session)
14. Roadrunner (Live)
15. One More For St. Michael (Rough Mix W/ Alternate Vocal)
16. God Save The Queen (Radio Session)
17. Drive-In Saturday (Radio Session)
18. Public Image (Live)
19. The Waist And The Knees (Rough Mix W/ Alternate Vocal)
20. Together Now, Very Minor (Radio Session)
21. Choose Between Two Sons

Game Theory Lolita Nation trailer:
https://youtu.be/hDD-7Y4FeHA

I enjoyed watching Souther on the early seasons of TV's Nashville and his recent solo album. I look forward to hearing his earlier works... 

John David Souther, better known as JD Souther, is a singer-songwriter and actor best known as writer of hit songs by the likes of the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt. While his own albums failed to gain the commercial traction of those of his songwriting clients, they’ve long been viewed as cult classics, prototypes of the Americana movement.

Omnivore Recordings will launch a JD Souther expanded reissue initiative after the first of the year, with the debut album — John David Souther — set for Jan. 8 release while Black Rose and Souther’s sole ’80s album, Home by Dawn, will return to stores on Feb. 12.

Before he was co-writing #1 Eagles hits like “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight” with Glenn Frey and Don Henley, Souther formed Longbranch/Pennywhistle with Frey when they were roommates. Their downstairs neighbor was a fellow by the name of Jackson Browne, who took Souther to audition for his boss, David Geffen, who had recently formed the Asylum Records label. After hearing two songs, Geffen told Souther to “go make a record.” And that’s exactly what he did.
 
John David Souther arrived in 1971, and was immediately a critical success and established Souther as a, if not the songwriter to watch. (He would be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame 42 years later.)
 
Co-produced by Souther and Fred Catero (who had recently finished Santana’s Abraxas), John David Souther featured 10 originals — all stunning, and many of which would be covered by artists like Bonnie Raitt (“Run Like a Thief”) and his old friends the Eagles, who released “How Long” as the first single from their 2007 comeback and multi-platinum smash, Long Road Out of Eden.
 
For its Jan. 8 expanded re-release of Souther’s debut, Omnivore has added seven previously unissued bonus tracks. John David Souther was, and is, the perfect introduction to the singer and performer behind the songs.
 
After his impressive debut, Souther worked with Chris Hillman (Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers) and Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco) in the short-lived Souther/Hillman/Furay Band, which yielded two more Asylum LPs, The SHF Band and Trouble in Paradise. During that time, his songwriting reputation grew, as friends and colleagues took his material to commercial heights.

To date his writing has been recorded by other artists as diverse as Hugh Masekela, Tricia Yearwood, Raul Malo, Bernadette Peters, Brooks and Dunn, Glen Campbell, Taiwanese girl group S.H.E., Michael Bublé, India Irie, and his longtime friend and collaborator Don Henley.
 
Five years after John David Souther, Black Rose appeared. Beautifully helmed by Peter Asher, the album was not only full of incredible songs, but a who’s who of musicians including Lowell George (Little Feat), Joe Walsh, Waddy Wachtel, Jim Keltner, Andrew Gold, Russ Kunkel, Donald Byrd, and Stanley Clarke — with David Crosby, Art Garfunkel, Don Henley and Glenn Frey adding their voices.

In addition to the lush production and instrumentation, Souther’s ten songs were again exceptional. Linda Ronstadt had previously recorded “Faithless Love” on her breakthrough Heart Like a Wheel album, and would tackle “Simple Man, Simple Dream” in 1977 — even basing that year’s album title and her 2014 memoir Simple Dreams on the song. (For the record, Ronstadt has recorded 10 Souther tracks, a relationship that began with his production on her 1973 album Don’t Cry Now, also named for a Souther composition. That album includes “I Can Almost See It” — presented as a bonus track here in Souther’s demo version.)
 
This expanded edition of Black Rose, due out February 12, 2016, is made even more impressive by the addition of seven bonus tracks including six previously unissued live performances and demos — the other taken from the only solo album from the Little Feat leader, Thanks I’ll Eat It Here.
 
“Black Rose was an ambitious undertaking, and it took a long time,” Souther states in the new liner notes. “I wanted to use more of my musical influences, and I had to dig a bit deeper. But when we were finished, I was almost as pleased with it as if it had sold a million copies. Almost.”
 
Now is the time for those million copies to bloom.
 
After hitting the Top 10 twice with “You’re Only Lonely” and his duet with James Taylor, “Her Town Too,” Souther released his only album of the 1980s — Home by Dawn, produced by David Malloy (Eddie Rabbitt, Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire).
 
As Souther took distinctive creative turns with each release, Home by Dawn emerged at the beginning of the new wave of country music. In fact, legendary producer/engineer, and David’s father, Jim Malloy (Townes Van Zandt, Eddy Arnold, Sammi Smith) told Souther, “You were about 15 minutes ahead of your time!” That timing was confirmed when Dixie Chicks covered “I’ll Take Care of You” on their 12x platinum-awarded Wide Open Spaces in 1998.
 
Home by Dawn has steadily earned a reputation as the groundbreaking and important statement it was, and continues to be. From rock to roots-rock to rockabilly, that release took Souther in a direction reflecting his Texas upbringing.
 
For its Omnivore reissue, the album’s original nine songs are joined by four bonus tracks — a demo of “I’ll Take Care of You,” two outtakes from the original sessions and his Urban Cowboy duet with Linda Ronstadt, “Hearts Against the Wind.”
 
Home by Dawn has proven to be an important and influential album released before its time. Now is the perfect time to discover, or rediscover it.
 
All three reissues feature expanded artwork, and new liner notes by Scott Schinder, based on recent interviews with Souther.
 
John David Souther track listing:
 
The Fast One 

Run Like a Thief 

Jesus in 3/4 Time 

Kite Woman 

Some People Call It Music 

White Wing 

It’s the Same 

How Long 

Out to Sea 

Lullaby 

 
Bonus Tracks: 

 
Kite Woman (Alternate Version) 

Jesus in 3/4 Time (Demo) 

The Fast One (Demo) 

Run Like a Thief (Demo) 

How Long (Demo) 

One in the Middle (Demo) 

Silver Blue (Demo)


Black Rose Track Listing:
 
Banging My Head Against the Moon 

If You Have Crying Eyes 

Your Turn Now 

Faithless Love 

Baby Come Home 

Simple Man, Simple Dream 

Silver Blue 

Midnight Prowl 

Doors Swing Open 

Black Rose 

Bonus Tracks: 

Faithless Love (Live) 

Songs of Love (Band Demo) 

Can Almost See It (Demo) 

Cheek to Cheek – Lowell George 

Border Town (Solo Demo) 

Texas Nights and Mexican Moons (instrumental piano demo) 

Songs of Love (Solo Demo)


Home by Dawn Track Listing:
 
Home by Dawn 

Go Ahead and Rain
Say You Will
I’ll Take Care of You
All for You
Night
Don’t Know What I’m Gonna Do
Bad News
All I Want
Bonus Tracks:
Hearts Against the Wind –
Linda Ronstadt/JD Souther
I’ll Take Care of You (Demo)
Little Girl Blue
Girls All Over the World 

 
JD Souther trailer:
https://youtu.be/takuJJCJPZI

A roundup of new Christmas albums

If you’re hosting a Christmas party or just getting around to trimming the tree, here are some new releases to freshen up your seasonal soundtrack.

 

Artist: The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Title: Rockin’ Rudolph (Surfdog)

You might enjoy if you like: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Royal Crown Revue, Stray Cats

Tell me more: For his third studio Christmas album – and first in a decade - the former Stray Cat mixes big band arrangements with rockabilly flourishes to fine effect. Longtime producers Peter Collins and Dave Darling return as Setzer puts his unique spin on classics like the upbeat, jiving “Here Comes Santa Claus” (with prominent female backing vocals), a subtle cocktail lounge-styled "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," plus vibrant instrumental takes on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Carol of the Bells." But the real winners here are the 18-piece ensemble’s racing "Yabba-Dabba Yuletide" (based on TV’s “The Flintstones” theme, with a nifty sax solo, presented in regular and extended lengths) and a quite rocking, 1960s-leaning "Rockabilly Rudolph." Super fans can purchase the deluxe box set stuffed with goodies at www.pledgemusic.com.

Information: www.briansetzer.com

 

 

Artist: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Title: It’s a Holiday Soul Party (Daptone)

You might enjoy if you like: Ike & Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Fitz & the Tantrums

Tell me more: The Brooklyn-based, Grammy-nominated act delve into old school R&B, soul and funk sounds with stellar results during “It’s a Holiday Soul Party.” Impressively, half the selections are memorable originals, including the lively “8 Days (of Hanukkah),” where Sharon Jones soulfully sings about dreidels, frying latkes and cooking up brisket as the female backing singers count things down. Some compelling social consciousness arrives via “Ain’t No Chimneys in the Projects,” with a sweeping string arrangement and prominent horn lines that recall Marvin Gaye. A groove-laden “Just Another Christmas Song” seamlessly incorporates seasonal song titles, while the jaunty “Big Bulbs” boasts a finger snapping gypsy vibe and gives all the ladies’ smooth harmonies a chance to shine.

Information: www.sharonjonesandthedapkings.com

 

Artist: Tony Hadley

Title: The Christmas Album (Verve)

You might enjoy if you like: Bryan Ferry, ABC, Spandau Ballet

Tell me more: Although Spandau Ballet enthusiasts are still waiting for a new release following the 1980s new romantic band’s reunion a few years ago, they can revel in the frontman’s diverse and luxurious crop of covers and originals. Some are more about being together in wintertime than anything else. Among the 16 tracks are Hadley’s cheery interpretation of Train’s “Shake Up Christmas,” Greg Lake’s regal and hushed “I Believe in Father Christmas,” an effervescent “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” (done Springsteen-style), The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” and a barrelhouse piano-driven “Run Run Rudolph.” Elsewhere, the romantic “I Don’t Want to Spend One More Christmas Without You” (popularized by ‘N Sync) is right in Hadley’s wheelhouse, while the stripped down, piano and synth-laden take on Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” and Chris Rea’s breezy “Driving Home for Christmas” are standouts.   

Information: www.tonyhadley.com

 

Artist: LeAnn Rimes

Title: Today is Christmas (Prodigy Entertainment/Kobalt)

You might enjoy if you like: Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Sara Evans

Tell me more: LeAnn Rimes’ third holiday album was recorded in LA, but much of it boasts an old school Southern R&B vibe, thanks to a stellar crop of session vets like Booker T. Jones, Willie Weeks, Ray Parker Jr., James Gadson and others. A delight from start to finish, Rimes duets with Aloe Blacc on the laid back, grooving Ray Charles popularized “That Spirit of Christmas,” then teams with Gavin DeGraw on Kenny Loggins’ heartwarming “Celebrate Me Home” as both get some soulful wails in (the latter is among several featuring drummer Steve Ferrone of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers). Elsewhere, a fun, quick-fire Dixieland take on the old Mitch Miller tune “Must Be Santa” and the beautiful Vince Guaraldi/Lee Mendelson-penned “Christmas Time is Here” doesn’t wear out its welcome. Both are highlights, along with the aching, piano and cello-enriched Brandi Carlile ballad “The Heartache Can Wait.” Rimes also includes better known numbers within medleys and a stunning a capella “Auld Lang Syne.”

Information: www.leannrimesworld.com

 

 

Artist: Train

Title: Christmas in Tahoe (Sunken Forest)

You might enjoy if you like: Counting Crows, Matchbox 20

Tell me more: In 2010, Train did “Shake up Christmas” on the deluxe edition of the “Save Me San Francisco” CD, but this is the band’s first full holiday studio effort. Besides the aforementioned infectious track, Pat Monahan and company key into the album title with mild, organ-led rocker “Christmas Island” and another solid original, the folk-ish ‘Wait for Mary, Christmas.” Train puts its trademark sing-along pop/rock stamp on Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means to Me” and Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” They also serve up a few pleasant surprises in Slade’s “Merry Christmas Everybody” (complete with psychedelic bridge), the skiffle take on “Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me” (where Monahan whimsically channels Elvis), The Band’s “Christmas Must Be Tonight” and a brilliant chiming version of “Tinsel Lights,” by Tracey Thorn (of Everything But the Girl). “Tahoe” is available for streaming exclusively through Amazon Prime and purchase on CD.  

Information: www.savemesanfrancisco.com, www.amazon.com

 

 

Artist: Kenny Rogers

Title: Once Again It’s Christmas (Warner Bros.)

You might enjoy if you like: Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill

Tell me more: By all accounts, Kenny Rogers has become synonymous with Christmas music, having put out six official holiday albums over the past 30 years. Some are better than others (1984’s “Once Upon a Christmas” with Dolly Parton ranks as the best); “Once Again It’s Christmas” falls somewhere between. Featuring plenty of subtle orchestration and spiritual underpinnings, it’s good for snuggling with your loved one by a fire. Jennifer Nettles turns up for a playful duet on “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” Alison Krauss adds angelic sophistication to the ballad “Some Children See Him,” female duo Winfield’s Locket bring drama to “There’s a New Kid in Town” and Jim Brickman plays some classy piano during the elegant “That Silent Night.” But when Rogers pairs with Home Free – winner of “The Sing Off” competition – on traditional gospel number “Children, Go Where I Send Thee,” everything really heat up. Rogers also tweaks previous arrangements of “Winter Wonderland,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”  

Information: www.kennyrogers.com

 

 

Artists: Various

Title: Now That’s What I Call Country Christmas (Universal Music Group)

You might enjoy if you like: any country music past and present

Tell me more: On “Now That’s What I Call Country Christmas, the long-running multi-genre compilation series rounds up 30 tracks spanning from 1979 to last year. A veritable “who’s who” of country music, it leans more modern, but there are several veterans on hand, including Reba, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and Johnny Cash. Highlights on Disc 1 include Hunter Hayes’ spirited live rendition of “Merry Christmas Baby” with tasty electric guitar work, Toby Keith’s lean country rocker “Santa I’m Right Here,” Brad Paisley’s equally sizzling and humorous cover of Buck Owens’ “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy” and Little Big Town’s understated “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Among the standouts on Disc 2 are Gary Allan’s barrelhouse piano-driven “Please Come Home for Christmas,” Alabama’s haunting “Little Drummer Boy,” Montgomery Gentry’s version of the Robert Earl Keen steeped-in-reality tune “Merry Christmas From the Family” and Willie Nelson classic “Pretty Paper.”   

Information: www.nowthatsmusic.com

 

 

Artists: Various

Title: Indie for the Holidays (Amazon Prime)

You might enjoy if you like: independent alt-rock

Tell me more: An Amazon Prime exclusive, this collection features more than two dozen well-known acts and newcomers that are mostly signed to independent labels. A bulk of the songs are originals. Reverend Horton Heat, Family of the Year, Turin Brakes, Rogue Wave and Avid Dancer all turn in solid songs. Yet the highlights come from Sondre Lerche, whose chamber pop-leaning “Surviving Christmas” describes an uncertain future; A Silent Film, reminiscing about the past on elegant ballad “Christmas at Our House”; Yacht, whose odd New Wave-ish, drum machine-driven “Christmas Alone” details a nontraditional holiday; Lisa Loeb delves into dark-hued Beck territory on “Champagne”; Robert Pollard of Guided by Voices’ “What Begins on New Year’s Day” is a short and intriguing blend of acoustic/electric guitars.

Information: www.amazon.com