In stores now: 'Avenoir,' the new album by Calum Scott

Multi-platinum, UK singer-songwriter Calum Scott released his third album, Avenoir, via Capitol Records today. Among the 14 songs is Scott's duet reimagining of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” alongside the late and legendary Whitney Houston.

Download/stream Avenoir HERE.

Avenoir borrows its title from John Koenig’s book of neologisms, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, which defines the invented word as “the desire that memory could flow backward.” Reflecting on the concept, Calum explains, “‘Avenoir’ refers to how we move through life like a rower moves: always moving forward but facing backward, seeing where we’ve been but not where we’re going. The songs on this album speak to both regret and sorrow, and to undying love — a plea to live life to its fullest."

Recorded with longtime collaborator Jon Maguire and production duo The Nocturns, Avenoir reveals Calum’s newfound freedom and growing certainty as an artist. “As I started working on Avenoir, there was a level of confidence that I hadn’t really felt on my first two albums,” he explains. “I realized I’ve put my foot firmly in the door of the music industry and I’m capable of doing so much more than I thought possible with my music — and it gave me a whole new sense of freedom, allowing me to evolve.”

The country detour “One More Drink” features Lauren Alaina. And “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” is a new version of the Whitney Houston hit that pairs Calum’s vocals with Houston’s, marking the first time her original stems have been used. 

Recorded with the endorsement of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, the new rendition transforms the dance-pop classic into a symphonic duet. Watch the official video, which features archival imagery of Whitney, HERE. The release comes as fans around the world celebrate the 40th anniversary of Whitney’s historic career in music and entertainment, which began with her 1985 self-titled debut album, which is now one of her three certified RIAA Diamond albums in the U.S.

In support of the album, Calum will embark on “The Avenoir Tour” — a global headline run set to bring his live show to 48 cities across Europe, South Africa, Asia, North America and finishing in his home country of the UK. With his latest live experience including performing at stadiums across Asia and Europe as support for Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour, Calum will take the stage at venues such as London’s OVO Wembley Arena, The Wiltern in Los Angeles, and New York City’s Terminal 5. North American dates below and the full itinerary can be found HERE.

Calum’s music has amassed over 10 billion streams worldwide to date. His gold-certified 2018 debut, Only Human, featured his 6x platinum smash “You Are the Reason,” boasting over 1 billion YouTube views on the music video, and 5x platinum cover of Robyn's “Dancing on My Own,” which earned a BRIT Award nomination in the category of Best British Single. The hits continued with his acclaimed sophomore album Bridges and a series of high-profile collaborations including “Where Are You Now” (a Gold-certified collaboration with Lost Frequencies that earned a 2023 BRIT Award Nomination for Best International Song), and “Whistle” (his Gold-certified collaboration with Jax Jones).

2026 North American Dates:

3/23/26 Vancouver, BC Orpheum Theatre

3/27/26 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
3/28/26 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
4/1/26 San Diego, CA SOMA
4/3/26 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
4/4/26 Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren
4/6/26 Salt Lake City, UT The Union
4/8/26 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
4/10/26 Dallas, TX House of Blues
4/11/26 Houston, TX House of Blues
4/12/26 Austin, TX ACL Live at The Moody Theater
4/14/26 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution Live
4/16/26 Orlando, FL The Plaza Live
4/17/26 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
4/18/26 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl
4/21/26 Washington, DC The Anthem
4/22/26 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
4/23/26 New York, NY Terminal 5
4/25/26 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre
4/26/26 Montreal, QC MTELUS
4/29/26 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
5/1/26 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
5/2/26 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
5/3/26 Minneapolis, MN The Fillmore

Men Without Hats ready new November EP; on tour in North America

On Nov. 14, Men Without Hats will unveil 'Men Without Hats On The Moon,' the forthcoming EP from the ‘80s Canadian new wave/synth-pop band. It was produced by Grammy/Juno Award winner Brian Howes (Simple Plan, Hinder). 

The new song “‘In Glorious Days’ was my first experience with truly collaborative writing,” frontman Ivan Doroschuk recalls. "I found working with Brian [Howes] effortless; the direction and flow of the song came so naturally, and the result is what I believe to be an amazing hybrid of the classic Men Without Hats sound with a new, modern synth-wave sonic sensibility. I can’t wait to play ‘In Glorious Days’ live for our fans. I have a feeling it’s going to be a new crowd favorite!”

Stream “In Glorious Days” and “I Love the ‘80s” on YouTube HERE. Pre-save, pre-add and pre-order Men Without Hats On The Moon HERE.

Additionally, Men Without Hats will be making numerous headline and festival appearances through 2025 and into 2026. Performing on the upcoming Abducted By The ‘80s Tour that will feature Wang Chung and Naked Eyes, the band will also be headlining shows across parts of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. east coast through December. Tickets for all shows are on sale now via the band’s site HERE, and a full listing of dates can be found below.

The well-known "Pop Goes The World" and "The Safety Dance" are more than hits — they're international memes, football chants, and soundtrack staples. The band has 31 million views on YouTube, and nearly 10 million monthly Spotify listeners.

Singer Ivan Doroschuk was joined by his brother Colin Doroschuk for the better part of the ‘80s, along with other musicians, with Ivan being the main songwriter and constant throughout the years. After a string of album releases and a 2020 induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, presently the Men Without Hats family ties have come full circle since Colin was replaced by his daughter, Sahara Sloan, on keyboards and vocals. 

Writing and recording Men Without Hats On the Moon was different for the band in that it was divided into two unique sessions. The first was a two-week stay in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island at producer Brian Howes’ studio where he and Doroschuk collaborated on the tracks “I Love the ‘80s” and “In Glorious Days.” 

The second session was recorded in Doroschuk’s studio on the ocean in Victoria B.C. with longtime producer, engineer, guitar player and friend Sho Murray. There, they were able to capture “If You Try”, "Run Away “, “Love Me Tomorrow” and “A Cause De Toi”.

“I believe we more-than-accomplished our goal and, sonically, managed to keep a cohesive sound and feel throughout,” Doroschuk summarizes. “Creating this project from top-to-bottom was a real on the moon experience. I truly hope our fans enjoy it!”

Track listing:

I Love the '80s
In Glorious Days
If You Try
Run Away
Love Me Tomorrow
A Cause De Toi
Jealous Guy

Live dates:

OCTOBER
16 — Ft. Lauderdale, FL — The Parker ~
17 — Miami, FL — The Moss Center ~
18 — Ft. Pierce, FL — Sunrise Theatre ~
19 — Jacksonville, FL — Florida Theatre ~

NOVEMBER
07 — Cancun, MX — The Sands Resort #
18 — Ottawa, ON — Algonquin Commons Theatre #
19 — Waterloo, ON — Maxwell's Concerts & Events #
20 — Toronto, ON — The Mod Club #
21 — Oshawa, ON — Biltmore Theatre #

DECEMBER
27 — Atlantic City, NJ — Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort *
28 — Mashantucket, CT — Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino *
29 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square *
31 — Las Vegas, NV — Casablanca Resort #

JANUARY 2026
18 — Winnipeg, MB — Club Regent #
20 — Calgary, AB — Bell Concert Hall #
22 — Edmonton, AB — Pure Casino #
24 — Coquitlam, BC — Great Canadian Casino #

FEBRUARY 2026
05 — Temecula, CA — Pechanga Casino #
06 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues #
07 — Menlo Park CA — The Guild Theatre #
27 — Port Canaveral, FL ^

~ — Abducted By The ‘80s Tour feat. Wang Chung, Naked Eyes
# — headline show
* — Totally Tubular Festival
^ — The ‘80s Cruise (February 27 – March 6)

Fine Young Cannibals deluxe compilation incl. remixes, DVD due in November

London Records celebrates the legacy of Fine Young Cannibals with FYC40, a new anthology out November 21 and available to pre-order/pre-save now in multiple formats. 1LP and 1CD physical editions present a 12-track album or the core hits, while an expanded 2LP offers 24 tracks, including six exclusive remixes. The 2CD set features the expanded album plus a second disc with brand-new and rare remixes from the London Records vault.

The expanded formats of FYC40 include remixes by Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B, De La Soul’s Prince Paul, Norman Cook, Arthur Baker, Roger Sanchez, Mousse T and Faithless, alongside new remixes from Flight Facilities, The Reflex, DJ Q and previously unheard promotional remixes from Frankie Knuckles and Juan Atkins.

The DJ Q remix of “Ever Fallen in Love” is out now. Listen HERE.

Watch the visualizer HERE.

For collectors, the deluxe 4CD/DVD box set features 1985’s self-titled debut, The Raw and The Cooked (each expanded with rarities), two further discs of new, rare and unreleased remixes, and a DVD compiling all the band’s promo videos alongside the full 1989 Live At The Paramount concert (restored audio and visuals) and BBC classic performances from Top Of The Pops, The Old Grey Whistle Test, and Wogan.

Singer Roland Gift and his band will play Birmingham Symphony Hall (November 12) in the UK. For dates and to purchase tickets, please visit: HERE.

Pre-order FYC40 HERE.

Track listing (Deluxe 4CD/DVD):

Disc One - Fine Young Cannibals + bonus tracks

1. Johnny Come Home
2. Couldn’t Care More
3. Don’t Ask Me to Choose
4. Funny How Love Is
5. Suspicious Minds
6. Blue
7. Move to Work
8. On a Promise
9. Time Isn’t Kind
10. Like a Stranger
11. Love for Sale
12. Wade in the Water
13. Motherless Child
14. Johnny Come Home [Anne Dudley Version]
15. Couldn’t Care More [Anne Dudley Version]
16. Move to Work [Anne Dudley Version]
17. Blue [Version]
18. Suspicious Minds [John Luongo U.S. 7” Mix]
19. Funny How Love Is [Re-recorded Version]
20. Johnny Come Home [Extended Mix]
21. Suspicious Minds [Extended Version]

Disc Two - The Raw & the Cooked + bonus tracks

1. She Drives Me Crazy
2. Good Thing
3. I’m Not the Man I Used to Be
4. I’m Not Satisfied
5. Tell Me What
6. Don’t Look Back
7.It’s OK (It’s Alright)
8. Don’t Let It Get You Down
9. As Hard as It Is
10. Ever Fallen in Love
11. Social Security
12. You Never Know
13. Hold Me [Demo]
14. I’m Not the Man I Used to Be [Demo Version]
15. I’m Not Satisfied [Demo Version]
16. Tell Me What [Demo Version]
17. As Hard as It Is [Demo Version]
18. Race Track [Demo]
19. She Drives Me Crazy [Louil Silas Jr. U.S. 7” Mix]
20. Good Thing [10” Alternative Mix]
21. Ever Fallen in Love [Extended Version]

Disc Three - Remixes

1. The Flame [Dave Way Mix]
2. I’m Not the Man I Used to Be [Matt Dike Remix]
3. She Drives Me Crazy [The Monie Love Remix]
4. Good Thing [Prince Paul Remix]
5. I’m Not Satisfied [Prince Paul Groovie Organ Mix]
6. It’s OK (It’s Alright) [Ploeg Club Mix]
7. Ever Fallen in Love [Arthur Baker Club Senseless]
8. Johnny Come Home [Mark Moore 12” Remix]
9. I’m Not the Man I Used to Be [Dancin’ Danny D Remix]
10. She Drives Me Crazy [The Justin Strauss Mix]
11. I’m Not Satisfied [Matt Dike 12”]
12. I’m Not the Man I Used to Be [Juan Atkins Remix]
13. Johnny Come Home [Mousse T Cocktail Mix]
14. Don’t Look Back [Luke Mornay Extended Remix]

Disc Four - Remixes

1. She Drives Me Crazy [Flight Facilities Remix]
2. Ever Fallen in Love [DJ Q Remix]
3. Johnny Come Home [Initial Talk Remix]
4. She Drives Me Crazy [The Reflex Edit]
5. The Flame [Mario Più & Ricky Le Roy Experience Mix]
6. She Drives Me Crazy [Cerrone Remix]
7. Johnny Come Home [Mousse T Extended Mix]
8. She Drives Me Crazy [Dimitri from Paris Remix]
9. The Flame [Mario Scalambrin Heartbeat Mix]
10. Johnny Come Home [Derrick Carter Remix]
11. She Drives Me Crazy [Roger Sanchez Time & Space Mix]
12. The Flame [Gigi D’Agostino Mix]
13. I’m Not the Man I Used to Be [Rollo & Sister Bliss Monster Mix]

Disc Five - DVD

Promo videos
1. Johnny Come Home
2. Blue
3. Suspicious Minds
4. Funny How Love Is
5. Ever Fallen in Love
6. She Drives Me Crazy
7. Good Thing
8. Don’t Look Back
9. I’m Not The Man I Used To Be
10. I’m Not Satisfied
11. The Flame

Live at the Paramount – 21 October 1989
12. Johnny Come Home
13. Like a Stranger
14. Couldn’t Care More
15. Good Thing
16. Tell Me What
17. Time Isn’t Kind
18. I’m Not Satisfied
19. Funny How Love Is
20. Ever Fallen in Love
21. Don’t Look Back
22. Suspicious Minds
23. I’m Not the Man I Used to Be
24. It’s OK (It’s Alright)
25. My Girl
26. She Drives Me Crazy

FYC at the BBC
27. Couldn’t Care More [Live at the Haçienda – on Whistle Test]
28. Don’t Ask Me to Choose [Live at the Haçienda – on Whistle Test]
29. Johnny Come Home [on Top of the Pops]
30. Suspicious Minds [on Top of the Pops]
31. Funny How Love Is [on Wogan]
32. Ever Fallen in Love [on Top of the Pops]
33. She Drives Me Crazy [on Top of the Pops]
34. Good Thing [on Top of the Pops]
35. I’m Not the Man I Used to Be [on Top of the Pops]

'The Collection' deluxe edition box set by '80s New Wave band Ultravox due in December

photo: Chris Duffy

Following the recent deluxe editions of Ultravox’s Vienna, Rage In Eden, Quartet and Lament albums, on December 5, Chrysalis Records will release a Deluxe Edition box set of The Collection, the band’s successful 1984 compilation.

The Collection features the 14 singles Ultravox released between 1980 and 1984. Upon its release it sold over two million copies worldwide and went triple platinum in the UK.

Watch ‘Loves Great Adventure (Blank & Jones SO80S Reconstruction)’ on YouTube
This newly remastered compilation has been expanded to a 4CD/ two blu-ray Deluxe Edition. The set includes a new Collection II with a further 14 singles, alternative and unreleased versions from 1986 to 2024, 10 newly created 80s style 12” Extended Versions, mixed by Midge Ure, Steven Wilson, and Blank & Jones amongst others, as well as all the band’s B-sides collected together for the first time, and two Blu-ray discs with over four hours of footage featuring all the band’s groundbreaking promotional videos, alternative versions and a collection of their appearances on BBC TV from Top of The Pops and live performances.

The Collection is a limited Edition pressing of 5,000 units worldwide, housed in a 12” sized box set with six Discs (4CD/two Blu-ray) housed in a rigid slipcase, and two 20-page booklets, featuring previously unseen photos and images and lyrics. It will also be available to stream and on digital services.

2 LP black vinyl: 

The album has been newly remastered and cut at half-speed by AIR Mastering. This edition of the album has been made into a double album (the original was a single LP) to make the audio sound its best. It is housed in a dye-cut sleeve with interchangeable front image with a four-page insert.

4 LP clear vinyl box set: 

This newly remastered and expanded 4LP clear vinyl Deluxe Edition includes the original compilation and a second volume of The Collection II with a further 14 singles, alternative and unreleased versions of releases from 1986 to 2024. It is housed in a dye-cut sleeves with interchangeable images with a four-page inserts.

The Collection is also available on a standard CD, expanded from the original 14 to 19 tracks.

Purchase link: https://ultravox.lnk.to/TCD

Track listings

4CD/2 DVD set:

CD1: The Collection
1. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes [Single Version]
2. Hymn [Single Version]
3. The Thin Wall [Single Version]
4. The Voice [Single Version]
5. Vienna [Single Version]
6. Passing Strangers
7. Sleepwalk
8. Reap The Wild Wind
9. All Stood Still [Single Version]
10. Visions In Blue [Single Version]
11. We Came To Dance [Single Version]
12. One Small Day
13. Love’s Great Adventure
14. Lament [Single Version]

CD 2: The Collection II
1. All Stood Still [Alternative Version]*
2. The Thin Wall [Steven Wilson Single Mix]
3. Serenade [2025 Single Remix]*
4. White China [Steven Wilson Remix Edit]
5. Brilliant [Radio Edit]*
6. Same Old Story [Radio Edit]*
7. Hymn [Alternative version]*
8. New Europeans [Moments From Eden Live]
9. Rise [Live]
10. Live [Single Edit]
11. Lament [Alternative version]*
12. All Fall Down [Radio Edit]*
13. All In One Day [Single Edit]
14. Vienna [Alternative Version] *

CD 3: The Re-Mixes
1. Hymn [Steven Wilson 12” Re-Mix]*
2. Sleepwalk [Steven Wilson 12” Re-Mix] *
3. The Thin Wall [Steven Wilson 12” Re-Mix]*
4. Visions In Blue [Steven Wilson 12” Re-Mix]*
5. Reap The Wild Wind [12” Re-Mix Extra]*
6. Love’s Great Adventure [Blank & Jones so8os Reconstruction]*
7. All Stood Still [Midge Ure 12” Re-Mix*
8. New Europeans [Extended Re-Mix Extra]*
9. Same Old Story [12” Re-Mix]*
10. We Came To Dance [12” Re-Mix]*

CD 4: The B-Sides
1. Waiting
2. Passionate Reply
3. Herr X
4. Alles Klar
5. Keep Talking (Cassette Recording During Rehearsal)
6. I Never Wanted To Begin
7. Paths And Angles
8. Hosanna (In Excelsis Deo)
9. Monument
10.Break Your Back
11.Overlook
12.Easterly
13.Building
14.Heart Of The Country [Instrumental]
15.Man of Two Worlds [Instrumental]
16. 3
17. All In One Day [Instrumental]
18. Dreams?
19. Stateless

Blu-ray 1: Promotional Videos
01 Passing Strangers / 02 Vienna [Uncut Version] / 03 The Thin Wall / 04 The Voice / 05 Reap The Wild Wind / 06 Hymn / 07 Visions In Blue / 08 We Came To Dance / 09 One Small Day / 10 Dancing With Tears In My Eyes / 11 Lament / 12 Love’s Great Adventure / 13 Same Old Story / 14 All Fall Down / 15 Rise [Live]. Additional Videos: 16 Vienna [Live In St Albans 1980] / 17 Sleepwalk [Live In St Albans 1980] / 18 Vienna [Uncut Version] / 19 Reap The Wild Wind [Extended Version] / 20 Visions In Blue [Uncensored Version] / 21 The Thin Wall [Steven Wilson Single Edit] / 22 Reap The Wild Wind [Steven Wilson Stereo Edit] / 23 Dancing With Tears In My Eyes [Piano Version] / 24 Quartet [Australian Electronic Press Kit August 1982] / 25 Extended Special Re-Mix [Part 1] / 26 Extended Special Re-Mix [Part 2] / 27 The Collection [TV Advert]

Blu-ray 2: At The BBC: Top of The Pops: 01 Sleepwalk [Top Of The Pops 14.8.1980] / 02 Vienna [Top Of The Pops 15.1.1981] / 03 All Stood Still [Top Of The Pops 11.6.1981] / 04 The Thin Wall [Top Of The Pops 27.8.1981] / 05 The Voice [Top Of The Pops 12.11.1981] / 06 Hymn [Top Of The Pops 16.12.1982] / 07 We Came To Dance [Top Of The Pops 8.6.1983] / 08 One Small Day [Top Of The Pops 9.2.1984] / 09 Dancing With Tears In My Eyes [Top Of The Pops 31.5.1984] / 10 Lament [Top Of The Pops 5.7.1984] / 11 Love’s Great Adventure [Top Of The Pops 18.10.1984]. Performances: 12 Mine For Life [Old Grey Whistle Test 5.11.1982] / 13 Visions In Blue [Old Grey Whistle Test 5.11.1982] / 14 Hymn [Old Grey Whistle Test 5.11.1982] / 15 Billy Currie Interview [Riverside 1/11/1982] / 16 Hymn [The Kenny Everett Show 28.12.1982] / 17 Visions In Blue [ORS 18.2.1983] / 18 Hymn [ORS 18.2.1983] / 19 I Remember (Death In The Afternoon) [ORS 18.2.1983] / 20 One Small Day [ORS 2.3.1984] / 21 White China [ORS 2.3.1984] / 22 Man Of Two Worlds [ORS 2.3.1984] / 23 White China [One For The Road 18.8.1984] / 24 Dancing With Tears In My Eyes [One For The Road 18.8.1984] / 25 Love’s Great Adventure [Saturday Superstore 20.10.1984] / 26 Same Old Story [Wogan 12.9.1986] / 27 All Fall Down [Wogan 14.11.1986]
* Previously Unreleased

4LP Vinyl Box Set:
Side 1
1. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes [Single Version]
2. Hymn [Single Version]
3 The Thin Wall [Single Version]

Side 2
4. The Voice [Single Version]
5. Vienna [Single Version]
6. Passing Strangers
7. Sleepwalk

Side 3
8. Reap The Wild Wind
9. All Stood Still [Single Version]
10. Visions In Blue [Single Version]
11. We Came To Dance [Single Version]

Side 4
12. One Small Day
13. Love’s Great Adventure
14. Lament [Single Version]

LP2: The Collection II:
Side 1
1. All Stood Still [Alternative Version] *
2. The Thin Wall [Steven Wilson Single Mix]
3. Serenade [2025 Single Remix] *

Side 2
4. White China [Steven Wilson Remix Edit]
5. Brilliant [Radio Edit]*
6. Same Old Story [Radio Edit]*
7. Hymn [Alternative Version] *

Side 3
8. New Europeans [Moments From Eden Live]
9. Rise [Live]
10 Live [Single Edit]
11. Lament [Alternative Version] *

Side 4
12. All Fall Down [Radio Edit] *
13. All In One Day [Single Edit]
14. Vienna [Alternative Version] *
* Previously Unreleased

2LP Set:
Side 1
1. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes [Single Version]
2. Hymn [Single Version]
3. The Thin Wall [Single Version]

Side 2
1. The Voice [Single Version]
2. Vienna [Single Version]
3. Passing Strangers
4. Sleepwalk

Side 3
1. Reap The Wild Wind
2. All Stood Still [Single Version]
3. Visions In Blue [Single Version]
4. We Came To Dance [Single Version]

Side 4
1. One Small Day
2. Love’s Great Adventure
3. Lament [Single Version]

Standard CD:
1. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes [Single Version]
2. Hymn [Single Version]
3. The Thin Wall [Single Version]
4. The Voice [Single Version]
5. Vienna [Single Version]
6. Passing Strangers
7. Sleepwalk
8. Reap The Wild Wind
9. All Stood Still [Single Version]
10. Visions In Blue [Single Version]
11. We Came To Dance [Single Version]
12. One Small Day
13. Love’s Great Adventure
14. Lament [Single Version]
15. Same Old Story [Radio Edit]*
16. All Fall Down [Radio Edit]*
17. All In One Day [Single Edit]*
18. Brilliant [Radio Edit]*
19. Flow [Radio Edit] *

Out now: 'Afterglow,' the new EP by Midnight Til Morning; North American tour starts today

photo: Billy Zammit

Pop vocal group Midnight Til Morning have released their debut EP Afterglow alongside new single “Heart on Fire” and its official music video. The guys kick off their first global tour across North America, Australia, and Europe (Dates Here) today with sold-out shows in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Paris, Amsterdam, and England's Manchester, and Birmingham.

The EP features songwriting contributions from Amy Allen (Harry Styles’ “Adore You”; Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please, Please, Please”), Adam Yaron (Alex Warren’s “Ordinary”), Benson Boone; and Feli Ferraro (BTS, Halsey). Midnight Til Morning are also credited as songwriters throughout the EP.

Amid the seven-song collection are the singles “Bye” and “Navy Eyes.” And there are two brand new cuts, “17” and “Edge of Amazing.”

“Heart on Fire” was written by Yaron, Ferraro, Joshua Murty (Niko Moon) and Castle (Anne-Marie), and produced by Murty. The accompanying video was directed by Josh Harris with the team at Recliner, and pays homage to the iconic 90s and 00s campaigns from Gap and Calvin Klein. 

“‘Heart on Fire’ feels like the perfect song to lead into Afterglow because it captures the energy we want to bring to our shows and to this whole era,” says MTM member Mason Watts. “This EP is really the beginning of our story - we’ve poured every part of ourselves into these seven songs, and we can’t wait for people to connect with them the same way we do.”

Formed on the Top 10 Global Netflix series Building the Band, Midnight Til Morning members hail from America and Australia: Watts (26, Toowoomba, QLD), Conor Smith (22, Central Coast, NSW), Shane Appell (22, Upstate New York), and Zach Newbould (22, Boston, MA).

With endorsements including late One Direction singer Liam Payne (“I’ve got a very big soft spot for you boys; you remind me a lot of what we were like. Don’t let me down!”) and others, Midnight Til Morning has, since their debut in August, surpassed 11 million streams on Spotify and expanded their U.S. and European tours with multiple second shows due to demand.

North American Tour Dates:

Oct 12 @ Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA
Oct 14 @ Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA
Oct 15 @ Racket in New York, NY
Oct 16 @ Racket in New York, NY (SOLD OUT)
Oct 17 @ Royale in Boston, MA
Oct 19 @ Le National in Montreal, QC (SOLD OUT)
Oct 23 @ Annabel’s in Toronto, ON
Oct 24 @ Annabel’s in Toronto, ON (SOLD OUT)
Oct 26 @ El Club in Detroit, MI
Oct 27 @ Thalia Hall in Chicago, IL
Oct 31 @ Mohawk Outside in Austin, TX
Nov 1 @ The Factory in Dallas, TX
Nov 3 @ Bluebird Theatre in Denver, CO (SOLD OUT)
Nov 6 @ The Showbox in Seattle, WA
Nov 9 @ Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR
Nov 10 @ Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC
Nov 15 (Early Show) @ El Rey in Los Angeles, CA
Nov 15 @ El Rey in Los Angeles, CA (SOLD OUT)
Nov 16 @ The Regency in San Francisco, CA

'Afterglow' track list:

1. Bye
2. Heart on Fire
3. 17
4. Welcome to LA
5. Navy Eyes
6. Edge of Amazing
7. Ghost of Us

Album reviews: Scissor Sisters, Adam Mac, 'Brokeback Mountain'

Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters 

(Universal Music Enterprises)

The New York City group's eponymous debut album is a fun dose of danceable, hedonistic pop music. The songs often revolve around dreams, fantasies and themes relating to the LGBTQ experience. After the initial release in 2004, it became a commercial and critical juggernaut in the UK. Now, Scissor Sisters has been reissued with fabulous deluxe 2LP and 3CD editions. 

Both include previously unreleased songs, single B-sides (a great acoustic Franz Ferdinand cover for BBC Radio 1), extended remixes (Fatboy Slim, Hot Chip, Junkie XL), plus new liner notes and photos. Among the many standouts are the NYC band’s UK hits: the cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” (boasting lead singer Jake Shears’ helium falsetto), a rollicking, 1970s Elton John-styled “Take Your Mama,” and the poignant piano ballad “Mary.”

Information: udiscovermusic.com

Photo: Ford Fairchild

Adam Mac

Southern Spectacle 

(Independent)

Southern Spectacle, the third studio album by queer country artist Adam Mac is quite a ride. The Kentucky native has emerged as a leading light out of Nashville in recent years. Infusing traditional country sounds (steel guitar, banjo, fiddle) with pop, dance and R&B elements, Mac writes authentically about personal experiences. Yet there’s plenty of kicking back and having fun too. 

Highlights include the romantic vulnerability of “Last Rodeo” - penned for Mac’s husband before they married last summer in Sedona (the nuptials served as a theme to the accompanying music video); some sensual songs with shrewd lyrics (“Rhinestoned, “Turpentine”); the attitude aplenty on “Don’t Want This Smoke”; “The Outside,” a resonant duet ballad with fellow queer country singer Chris Housman; and “Golden Boy,” a stirring ballad about being the black sheep of the family. Available digitally on Oct. 24.

Information: adammacmusic.com

Various Artists

Brokeback Mountain: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 

(Verve Forecast)

Out on vinyl for the first time to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Oscar/Golden Globe-winning LGBTQ-themed film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, the soundtrack is housed in a gatefold jacket, with 16-page booklet comprising photos of the movie production and scenes, plus detailed liner notes. The track list features a sampling of Gustavo Santaolalla’s gorgeous original score and enticing Americana and country music. Willie Nelson does a comforting take on traditional folk song “He Was a Friend of Mine”; Emmylou Harris stuns on the beautiful “A Love That Will Never Grow Old”; Steve Earle rowdily revisits his ‘80s alt-country tune "Devil's Right Hand"; Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompson contribute affecting solo songs and then duet on a terrific cover of Roger Miller’s “King of the Road.”

Information: ververecords.com

My reviews originally ran in Desert Star Weekly.

Ty Herndon reinterprets past songs with LeAnn Rimes, Ashley McBryde, Michael Ray on new album 'Thirty Vol . 1'

Ty Herndon will release 'Thirty, Vol. 1' on October 17, the first installment of his double album project, 'Thirty.' The new collection celebrates Herndon’s three decades in country music with new renditions of his biggest hits and select fan favorites—alongside various vocalists. 

The fourth and final single ahead of the album - an updated rendition of Herndon’s ‘90s country song “Hands of a Working Man,” reimagined as a duet with fellow country music chart topper Michael Ray (“Whiskey and Rain”, “Think a Little Less”). Written by D. Vincent Williams and Jim Collins and released as the third single from Herndon’s album, Big Hopes, the song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in May 1999.

“Nineties country was really about storytelling, and the second I heard this song, I knew I had to record it for my Dad and all those hardworking men -- and women -- out there who keep our great country running. Michael Ray had once told me that this was one of his Dad’s favorite songs, so when it came time to record it for this project, he was my first and only choice -- and man, he brought it to life better than I could have ever imagined for a whole new generation of fans,” said Herndon.

The eight-track release honors Herndon’s career, beginning with his chart-topping 1995 debut What Mattered Most and revisits signature songs along with “missed hits”—tracks he has long believed could have been major singles. 

“This album is truly a celebration of the last 30 years of my life and career,” said Herndon. “To revisit these songs—some that defined me and others that I always wished had gotten their moment—with such an incredible group of friends and artists is the honor of a lifetime. 'Thirty' is about honoring where I’ve been while also looking ahead with gratitude and hope.”

Vol. 2 is slated for release in 2026.

Vol. 1 will be available on October 17 on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers.

Track List:

What Mattered Most | Duet with LeAnn Rimes
Hands of a Working Man | Duet with Michael Ray
A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go) | Feat. Ashley McBryde
I’d Move Heaven and Earth | Duet with Brooke Eden
Pretty Good Thing | Feat. Joanna Cotten and Shelly Fairchild
Heart Half Empty | Duet with Kristin Chenoweth
She Wants To Be Wanted Again | Duet with Chrissy Metz
Big Hopes | Feat. Alex Schwartz