Unreleased Cranberries Live in London '94 album on the way

The time between The Cranberries’ debut Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? (1993) and commercial breakthrough No Need to Argue (1994) included the hits “Linger” and “Dreams.” 

Live at The London Astoria II documents the young Irish rock band playing before an intimate crowd at the legendary venue in 1994. Once a long-lost recording of that performance, it was was recently unearthed and will be released via Island/UMe on Sept. 4. It will be available in multiple formats including 2LP Limited Edition Molten Lava Vinyl, standard black vinyl, CD, and digitally for streaming and download.

“It was such a buzz playing in The Astoria,” remembers drummer Fergal Lawler. “We had returned from the U.S. and taken a bit of time off for Christmas. This was our first concert back in London after achieving such success in America. We were delighted to see a few of our hardcore fans at the front of the stage, I think we felt proud that all our hard work had finally come to fruition.”

Fresh off a stadium tour in the U.S. in support of their debut album, The Cranberries scaled back for this special and intimate concert. Featuring six songs that would eventually find themselves on their second album No Need to Argue, Live at The Astoria II, 1994 offered the attending fans an inside peek at never-before-released music, including a one-of-a-kind performance of “Zombie.” Seven months later, the single would be released, achieving worldwide chart-topping status in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland and was #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in the US. Currently amassing over 1.8 billion views on YouTube, it remains one of the most streamed ‘90s songs globally to this day.

“Playing the Astoria after returning from the States was a real buzz. We’d started playing small clubs in London a few years earlier, so coming back to headline the Astoria felt like a huge show for us. Seeing so many familiar faces who’d supported the band over the years made it even more special. It was an exciting time for the band.” - Noel Hogan, guitarist for The Cranberries

Comprised of 15 live recordings, Live at The Astoria II, 1994 culls seven tracks from their debut Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, including “Pretty,” “Linger,” and “Dreams,” and six from their follow-up No Need to Argue, including “Dreaming My Dreams,” “Daffodil Lament,” “Empty” and, of course, “Zombie.” It also features two non-studio album tracks - “Liar” which was originally released on the Empire Records Soundtrack (1995) and “So Cold In Ireland,” a B-side for their single “Ode to My Family.”

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Track listing:

Pretty

Dreaming My Dreams
Linger
Ridiculous Thoughts
Daffodil Lament
How
Everything I Said
Not Sorry
Waltzing Back
Dreams
Zombie
Liar
So Cold in Ireland
Empty
Still Can’t…

Beck Reveals New Album Details; Tour Starts in September

Following Beck’s recently released single “Ride Lonesome,” comes news of the upcoming new album of the same name, due Sept. 18 via Capitol Records, and available for pre-order now at https://Beck.lnk.to/RideLonesome. It is the first collection of all-new material since the GRAMMY-winning Hyperspace. 

In a prepared statement, Beck commented, “My new album Ride Lonesome is coming out this fall. The musicians from my original touring and recording band that I recorded Sea Change, Morning Phase and Mutations with — Smokey Hormel, Joey Waronker, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., and Jason Falkner— reconvened with me at my favorite studio (Room B at United Studios in Hollywood). We had Nigel Godrich, who worked on Sea Change and Mutations with us mixing all the songs. It had been a decade since we went in the studio and recorded Morning Phase. This time It felt like the playing and the chemistry had evolved and deepened— a sound that’s come together over the decades of working together.

While we were revisiting a musical and physical place, it also felt like we were finding new sounds and emotional textures along the way.”

The announcement of Ride Lonesome is accompanied by “In The Night,” the second advance offering from the forthcoming album. The video was directed by Mikai Karl, produced by Ryan Smale and stars Denis Lavant (Beau Travail, Mauvais Sang), and can be seen HERE

Both songs were produced by Beck and mixed by Nigel Godrich.

Ride Lonesome’s release will coincide with the September kick-off of the Ride Lonesome tour. For further information, go HERE

Track listing: 

1. Ride Lonesome
2. Run Away
3. In The Night
4. Failed Words
5. Bleed
6. Disappearing Act
7. For Your Love
8. Slow Canyon
9. It Ends Right Here
10. Falling Through My Hands
11. If You Don’t Know What Love Is
12. Beyond The Light

Tour Dates:

09/16/26 – Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre (SOLD OUT)
09/18/26 – Woodinville, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle
09/19/26 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium (SOLD OUT)
09/22/26 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
09/23/26 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
09/25/26 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
09/26/26 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
10/01/26 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
10/03/26 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
10/04/26 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
10/06/26 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live
10/07/26 – Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre (SOLD OUT)
10/09/26 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theater
10/10/26 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theater
10/12/26 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
10/14/26 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
10/15/26 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
10/17/26 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
10/18/26 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
10/22/26 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
10/23/26 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount (SOLD OUT)
10/25/26 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
10/27/26 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
10/28/26 – Asheville, NC – Thomas Wolfe Auditorium (SOLD OUT)
10/30/26 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
10/31/26 – Nashville, TN – The Truth

NYC alt-rock band Interpol readies tour, new album

Interpol has shared the latest single “Iron City” from upcoming album This Mirror Weighs a Ton, due Aug. 28 via Partisan Records. Listen HERE. 

Produced by Andrew Wyatt (Liam Gallagher, Lady Gaga) and mixed by David Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT), the album features strings, woodwinds, layered vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar and experimental sound design while maintaining the band's signature rhythmic and melodic approach. The album was recorded at Wyatt's studio on Manhattan's Lower East Side, marking the band's first time making a record in their original home base in over a decade.

"This Mirror Weighs a Ton" and "See Out Loud," offer an entry point into the album's world. The latter features a rare vocal turn from Daniel Kessler. The title song's name arrived almost before its meaning. It is a phrase unearthed, as Paul Banks describes it, from the subconscious terrain, where melody and language blur together. 

The creative relationship between Banks, Daniel Kessler and Sam Fogarino now approaches three decades. Kessler writes in isolation—on a guitar he’s had since he was a teenager, in the quiet of his home while watching old movies early in the morning—assembling songs that arrive nearly complete. Banks, in turn, responds to them, finding pathways through melody and language that feel both inevitable and surprising.

It is, as he puts it, a “peanut butter and jelly” dynamic. 

“The well has never been dry,” Kessler says. This relationship — tempered by time and geographical distance, shaped by shared experience, but still fundamentally intact — is what allows the band to continue evolving without losing its identity.

Next month, the band will begin a North American headline tour. Tickets are on sale now via www.interpolnyc.com/tour-dates.

Track list:

1.This Mirror Weighs a Ton
2.See Out Loud
3.Iron City
4.Wounded Soldier
5.Wings On Fire
6.Ever The Actor
7. So Rides The Reindeer
8.Darling Thoughts
9.Wake Up
10.Enemy
11.Bird and The Serpent
12.Sudden

North America Tour Dates: 

7/31/26 – Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO %

8/2/26 – Snow King Mountain – Jackson Hole, WY %
8/3/26 – Revolution Concert House – Boise, ID %
8/4/26 – Red Butte Garden – Salt Lake City, UT %
8/6/26 – McMenamins Edgefield – Portland, OR ^
8/8/26 – Dune Peninsula – Tacoma, WA ^
8/11/26 – The Warfield – San Francisco, CA &
8/14/26 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA &
8/15/26 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA &
8/16/26 – The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV &
9/26/26 – CBGB Festival - Under The K Bridge – Brooklyn, NY
9/29/26 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC *
10/2/26 – The Bowl at Sobeys Stadium – Toronto, ON #
10/3/26 – L'Olympia – Montreal, QC #
10/4/26 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA #
10/6/26 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA #
10/7/26 – The Agora – Cleveland, OH #
10/9/26 – Masonic Jack White Theatre – Detroit, MI #
10/10/26 – KEMBA Live! Outdoors – Columbus, OH #
10/11/26 – The Salt Shed Fairgrounds – Chicago, IL #
10/13/26 – The Factory – St. Louis, MO #
10/15/26 - The Eastern – Atlanta, GA # (2ND SHOW ADDED)
10/16/26 – The Eastern – Atlanta, GA #
10/17/26 – The Pinnacle – Nashville, TN # ~

* supporting SOMBR
% support from Youth Lagoon
^ support from Loathe
& support from julie
# support from DIIV
~ support from French Police

U2 unveil new single

The latest new song from U2, "Street of Dreams," is available now via Interscope Records. It is the first track from the band’s yet-to-be announced new studio album, its first in 9 years, due for release later this year.

Listen to ‘Street of Dreams’ HERE and watch the video HERE.

The music video was shot in Mexico City in May, where the band also attended the 2026 Street Child World Cup Finals Tournament at Parque Ecológico Lago de Texcoco. The video shoot near Plaza Santo Domingo drew a huge crowd of fans despite inclement weather, with thunder and rain unexpectedly causing a generator to crash and a local family welcoming the four band members into their apartment to film on the balcony.

Produced by Jacknife Lee, "Street of Dreams" prefaces a U2 milestone: This September will be 50 years since the band’s formation after Larry Mullen Jr. posted a handwritten note which read “Drummer seeks musicians to form band’’ on the school noticeboard at Dublin’s Mount Temple Comprehensive.

‘Street of Dreams’ will be available as a digital download, as well as on DSPs.

New album review roundup: Midge Ure, Haircut 100, Barnes & Barnes

Three Retro Pop Acts’ Engaging New, Archival Releases

Midge Ure

A Man of Two Worlds

(Chrysalis)

It’s been a dozen years since synthpop legend Midge Ure presented an all-new studio album. Now, the Scotsman (Ultravox, Band Aid, Visage) is finally back with an alluring double dose. The strikingly designed 2CD hardbound book edition contains his landscape shots and lyrics. Inspired by the pandemic lockdown, “World One: Music” comprises eight ethereal synth, piano, keyboard instrumentals that would make the perfect soundtrack to an indie drama. Equally entrancing is the topical “World Two: Songs.” Among the standouts: politically minded “Just Words,” boasting dramatic vocals, plus a fine guitar solo; a powerfully haunting “Shouting at the Moon,” which details the power of unity; the stirring “Caught in the Middle” describes human fallibility; and understated danceable rocker “The Man Who Stole Your Soul” is an optimistic plea to modern America. Info: amazon.com

Haircut 100

Boxing the Compass

(Absolute Label Services)

When Haircut 100 toured America in ’24 for the first time since the early ‘80s, the vibe at its LA gig was pure elation. That sensation definitely translated to what the Nick Heyward-led London pop band’s original lineup crafted for an infectious follow up to 1982’s Pelican West (containing US hit “Love Plus One,” plus “Fantastic Day” and “Favourite Shirts” in the UK). The trademark horn arrangements are prevalent as well as soulful singalong choruses (the Chic-leaning “Soul Bird,” funky “Vanishing Point”) and power pop numbers (uplifting “Wonderful Life,” “Unloving Plum”). Other picks to click: the lovely Bacharach-styled ballad “That’s a Start,” driving easygoing rocker “Raincloud” and ebullient earworm “Come Back to Me.” A welcome return. Info: amazon.com.

Barnes & Barnes

Zabagabee: The Best Of

(Liberation Hall/MVD Entertainment)

Barnes & Barnes’ 1978 novelty single “Fish Heads” gained notoriety via Dr. Demento’s radio show and later had a Bill Paxton-helmed video that aired on MTV and SNL. This reissued 1987 compilation (a few songs shorter than the original release) proves there was more to the offbeat comedic music duo – Robert Haimer and “Lost in Space” child actor Bill Mumy - than met the eye. One could draw parallels between them and Devo, Sparks, Weird Al, Ween, Tenacious D, and The Lonely Island. Highlights include the new wave of “Blithering and “Soak it Up,” a warped take on “What’s New Pussycat” (produced by Devo’s Bob Casale) and the dramatic, poppy “Don’t You Wanna Go to the Moon” featuring backing vocals by members of Journey, Toto and (frequent collaborators) America. Available July 24 on CD, LP, plus a highly entertaining eight video program, chock full of celebrity cameos, making its DVD debut.

Info: liberationhall.com or amazon.com.

My reviews originally appeared at Desert Star Weekly and Desert Local News.

Vinyl reissues of Whitesnake's hit '80s albums arrive in September

This fall, Craft Recordings presents vinyl reissues of Slide It In (1984), Whitesnake (1987), and Slip of the Tongue (1989). Powered by Whitesnake hits including “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” “Still of the Night,” and “Fool for Your Loving,” they delivered the David Coverdale-led British hard rock group’s run of multi-platinum albums

Arriving September 18, the titles return to vinyl in their original U.S. 1LP configurations. Alongside the wide release on standard black vinyl, exclusive color pressings include the self-titled Whitesnake on “Tan Smoke” (via Walmart) and “Stone Marble” (Revolver). Fans can also find Whitesnake on limited-edition “Gold Black Ice,” alongside Slide It In on “Onyx” and Slip of the Tongue on “Crimson Moon,” exclusively via CraftRecordings.com. All three albums are available to pre-order and stream today.

Slide It In Track Listing

Side A
1. Slide It In
2. Slow an’ Easy
3. Love Ain’t No Stranger
4. All or Nothing
5. Gambler

Side B
1. Guilty of Love
2. Hungry for Love
3. Give Me More Time
4. Spit It Out
5. Standing in the Shadow

Whitesnake Track listing

Side A
1. Crying in the Rain
2. Bad Boys
3. Still of the Night
4. Here I Go Again

Side B
1. Give Me All Your Love
2. Is This Love
3. Children of the Night
4. Straight for the Heart
5. Don’t Turn Away

Slip of the Tongue Track Listing

Side A
1. Slip of the Tongue
2. Cheap an’ Nasty
3. Fool for Your Loving
4. Now You’re Gone
5. Kittens Got Claws

Side B
1. Wings of the Storm
2. The Deeper the Love
3. Judgment Day
4. Slow Poke Music
5. Sailing Ships

Collective Soul's 'Touch and Go' gets widespread official release this month; U.S. tour continues

COLLECTIVE SOUL--Ed Roland (vocals/guitar/piano), Dean Roland (rhythm guitar), Will Turpin (bass), Jesse Triplett (lead guitar), Johnny Rabb (drums)—showcase their “New Wave side” on TOUCH AND GO, the new album officially released July 31 via their label, Fuzze-Flex Records/AMPED Distribution/Virgin Music Group.

Originally released earlier this spring as part of Record Store Day, TOUCH AND GO takes inspiration from The Cars and New Wave music. It will be available on all digital outlets, CD, and 180-gram teal-marble colored vinyl. Pre-orders are now available HERE.

Last summer (July 8, 2025), the band released feature-length documentary, Give Me A Word: The Collective Soul Story, via Trinity Content Partners. The trailer can be seen on the band’s official YouTube page. It is available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray as well as on the band’s official website, while fans can watch on demand (VOD) via Amazon (North America), Apple Music (Worldwide), Google (U.K. and North America), Vudu (North America), Hoopla (North America), and Olyn (North America), among others.

In touring news, COLLECTIVE SOUL--who have sold over 15 million albums worldwide (six of which have gone Gold or Platinum) and boast seven #1 singles, including “Shine,” “December,” and “The World I Know”—are continuing on their trek across North America. Tickets for all shows can be purchased on the band’s official website.

Track listing:

1. Rainbow
2. Eye On You
3. Uh Oh
4. All My Days On Thru
5. Heavy Load
6. Fun
7. Again
8. Feel
9. Shooting For You
10. Love Your Way

Tour dates: 

Fri 7/3 Lake Charles, LA Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino

Sat 7/4 Houston, TX Eleanor Tinsley Park (Keith Urban w/ Los Lonely Boys)
Thu 7/9 Northfield, OH MGM Northfield Park
Sat 7/11 Morton, MN Dacotah Exposition Center at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel
Thu 7/23 Grover Hill, OH Wetzel Motorcycle Club Party
Fri 7/24 West Bend, WI Washington County Fair
Sat 7/25 Menahga, MN Mid Summer Music Fest
Tue 7/28 Enoch, AB. River Cree Resort & Casino
Thu 7/30 Tsuutina, AB. Grey Eagle Resort Casino
Fri 7/31 Regina, SK. Conexus Arts Centre
Sat 8/1 Minnedosa, MB. Rockin’ The Fields of Minnedosa
Sun 8/2 Fisher River Cree Nation, MB. Leigh Cochrane Memorial Visitors Centre
(20th Annual Community Celebration concert)
Fri 8/7 Tillamook, OR Tillamook County Fairgrounds
Sat 8/8 Arlington, WA Angel Of The Winds Casino Resort
Sun 8/9 Ridgefield, WA Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
Wed 8/12 Casper, WY The Gaslight Social
Thu 8/13 Sturgis, SD Buffalo Chip Fairgrounds
Sat 8/15 Saskatoon, SK. Rock the River Festival/Rotary Park
Sun 8/16 Winnipeg, MB. Burton Cummings Theatre Event: Burt Block Party
Thu 8/20 Fairlee, VT Lake Morey Resort
Fri 8/21 Lincoln, RI Twin River Events Center
Sat 8/22 Cohasset, MA South Shore Music Circus
Tue 8/25 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
Wed 8/26 Hyannis, MA Melody Tent
Fri 8/28 Port Chester, NY The Capitol Theatre
Sat 8/29 Atlantic City, NJ Ocean Casino Resort
Sun 8/30 Selbyville, DE Freeman Arts Pavilion
Tue 9/1 Shipshewana, IN Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Wed 9/2 Flint, MI Capitol Theatre
Fri 9/4 Des Plaines, IL The Event Center at Rivers Casino
Sat 9/5 Dyersville, IA Velocity at Field of Dreams (festival)
Fri 9/11 Charleston, SC The Refinery
Sat 9/12 Jasper, AL Foothills Festival
Sun 9/13 Peachtree City, GA Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater
Thu 9/24 Bakersfield, CA Kern County Fairgrounds
Fri 9/25 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts By The Bay
Sat 9/26 Scottsdale, AZ Talking Stick Resort