The Who reissue news

Initially released in December 1967, The Who Sell Out is getting the full reissue treatment on April 23 via UME/Polydor.

The new Super Deluxe Edition of The Who Sell Out features 112 tracks, 46 of which are unreleased, an 80-page, hard-back, full-color book, including rare period photos, memorabilia, track-by-track annotation and new sleeve notes by Pete Townshend with comments from the likes of Pete Drummond (Radio London DJ), Richard Evans (designer) & Roy Flynn (the Speakeasy Club manager).

This package also includes nine posters and inserts, including replicas of

20” x 30” original Adrian George album poster, a gig poster from The City Hall, Newcastle, a Saville Theatre show 8-page program, a business card for the Bag o’ Nails club, Kingly Street, a Who fan club photo of group, a flyer for Bath Pavilion concerts including The Who, a crack-back bumper sticker for Wonderful Radio London, Keith Moon’s Speakeasy Club membership card and a Who Fan Club newsletter.

As a taster for the set an EP of Pete Townshend’s previously unreleased demos has been released on all streaming services including “Pictures Of Lily” (New remix, previously unreleased) “Kids! Do You Want Kids?” (AKA “Do You Want Kids, Kids?”) (Previously unreleased) & “Odorono” (Previously unreleased).

The album was originally planned by Pete Townshend and the band’s managers Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp, as a loose concept album including jingles and commercials linking the songs stylized as a pirate radio broadcast. This concept was born out of necessity as their label and management wanted a new album and Townshend felt that he didn’t have enough songs.

The original plan for Sell Out was to sell advertising space on the album but instead the band opted for writing their own jingles paying tribute to pirate radio stations and to parody an increasingly consumerist society. The homage to pop-art is evident in both the advertising jingles and the iconic sleeve design created by David King who was the art director at the Sunday Times, and Roger Law who invented the Spitting Image TV show. The sleeve features four advertising images, taken by the renowned photographer David Montgomery, of each band member Odorono deodorant (Pete Townshend), Medac spot cream (Keith Moon), Charles Atlas (John Entwistle) and Roger Daltrey & Heinz baked beans. The story goes that Roger Daltrey caught pneumonia from sitting in the cold beans for too long.

Within the concept were a batch of songs: “I Can See for Miles,” a top 10 hit at the time, "Rael,” a Townshend “mini-opera” with musical motifs that reappeared in Tommy, the psychedelic blast of “Armenia City In The Sky” and “Relax.”

THE WHO SELL OUT SUPER DELUXE EDITION

Disc 1 - Original mono mix, mono As & Bs and unreleased mono mixes

Disc 2 - Original stereo mix and stereo bonus tracks

Disc 3 - Studio out-takes, ‘fly-on-the-wall’ versions of early takes of songs from the album sessions, ‘studio chat’ etc.

Disc 4 - The Road to Tommy will contain stereo mixes of the studio tracks recorded in 1968 - some previously unreleased - plus 1968 As and Bs mono mixes (all tracks remixed from original 4 and 8-track session tapes in The Who vault)

Disc 5 - 14 of Pete Townshend’s original demos, previously unreleased & exclusive to this set

BONUS 7” DISCS:

1. Track U.K. 45 repro “I Can See for Miles“ (early mono mix with single-tracked vocal) & “Someone’s Coming“ (original U.K. Track single mix with single-tracked vocal)

2. Decca U.S.A. 45 repro “Magic Bus“ (U.S./U.K. mono) & “Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde“ (original U.S. Decca single mix)

80-page, hard-back full-color book, including rare period photos, memorabilia &
Track annotation and new liner notes by Pete Townshend with comments from from Pete Drummond (Radio Caroline DJ), Chris Huston (Talentmasters Studio), Richard Evans (designer), Roy Flynn (Speakeasy Club manager), Arnold Schwartzman (designer) & Andy Neill (Who biographer)

MEMORABILIA:

Nine posters & inserts, including replicas of

20” x 30” original Adrian George poster
Gig poster - City Hall, Newcastle: The Who, Traffic & The Tremeloes
Saville Theatre 8-page program
Business card for the Bag o’ Nails club, Kingly Street
Fan Club photo of group
Flyer for Bath Pavilion concerts including The Who
Crack-back bumper sticker for Wonderful Radio London
Keith Moon’s Speakeasy Club membership card
Who Fan Club newsletter

OTHER THE WHO SELL OUT FORMATS;

2 LP deluxe (stereo) vinyl version, featuring the original album and extras highlights from box set.

D2C 2LP deluxe (mono) vinyl version featuring the original album and extras highlights from box set pressed on colored vinyl; disc 1 “Odorono“ red / disc 2 “Baked Bean“ orange.

2-CD edition 6-panel digi-pak with a 16-page booklet.

Also available in a variety of Digital formats

THE WHO SELL OUT TRACK LISTINGS

SUPER DELUXE BOX SET

CD ONE: THE WHO SELL OUT - MONO ALBUM

1. Armenia City in The Sky 3:47
2. Heinz Baked Beans 0:58
3. Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand 2:34
4. Odorono 2:30
5. Tattoo 2:48
6. Our Love Was 3:23
7. I Can See for Miles 4:06
8. I Can’t Reach You 3:27
9. Medac 0:56
10. Relax 2:38
11. Silas Stingy 3:03
12. Sunrise 3:04
13. Rael / Track Records run-off groove 5:54

BONUS TRACKS - MONO

14. Pictures of Lily (original U.K. Track single mix) 2:46
15. Doctor, Doctor (original U.K Track single mix) 3:01
16. The Last Time (original U.K. Track single mix) 2:51
17. Under My Thumb (original U.K. Track single mix) 2:37
18. I Can See for Miles (original U.K. Track single mix) 4:03
19. Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand (original U.S. Decca single mix) 3:19
20. Someone’s Coming (original U.S. Decca single mix) 2:28
21. Unused Radio London ad / Early Morning… (original 1967 mono mix) 3:04
22. Unused Radio London bulletin link /Jaguar (original 1967 mono mix) 2:50
23. Unused Radio London ad /Tattoo (early alternate mono mix) 3:05
24. Rael (Talentmasters Studio, New York early rough mix) 5:58
25. Sunn Amps promo spots 2:42
26. Great Shakes ad 1:07

Tracks 21, 24 & 25 previously unreleased

CD TWO: THE WHO SELL OUT - STEREO ALBUM

1. Armenia City in The Sky 3:50
2. Heinz Baked Beans 1:01
3. Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand 2:34
4. Odorono 2:35
5. Tattoo 2:54
6. Our Love Was 3:25
7. I Can See for Miles 4:10
8. I Can’t Reach You 3:31
9. Medac 0:57
10. Relax 2:41
11. Silas Stingy 3:08
12. Sunrise 3:05
13. Rael 5:38

BONUS TRACKS - STEREO

14. Rael Naïve (complete with organ coda ending) 1:38
15. Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand (U.S. single version) 3:27
16. Someone’s Coming 2:33
17. Summertime Blues 2:38
18. Glittering Girl 3:05
19. Early Morning Cold Taxi 2:59
20. Girl’s Eyes 2:52
21. Coke After Coke 1:09
22. Sodding About 2:51
23. Things Go Better with Coke 0:32
24. Hall of The Mountain King 4:27
25. Jaguar 2:58
26. Rael (remake; IBC version) / Track Records outro 6:26

Track 14 previously unreleased

CD THREE: STUDIO SESSIONS 1967 / 68

1. Glittering Girl (Take 4) (2018 remix) 3:29
2. Girl’s Eyes (Take 2) (2018 remix) 3:58
3. The Last Time (Take 8) 3:51
4. Under My Thumb (Take 3) (2018 remix with full ending) 3:13
5. Our Love Was (Take 2) 3:21
6. Relax (4-track to 4-track mix with Pete vocal) 3:22
7. Relax (Takes 1 and 2) 1:58
8. Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand (Takes 1 & 9) 3:43
9. Relax (Remake Take 4) 2:37
10. I Can See for Miles (full version) 4:54
11. Medac (Take 11) 1:13
12. Odorono (Take 3) (2018 remix) 2:47
13. Heinz Baked Beans (Takes 1 & 3) (2018 remix) 2:16
14. Top Gear (Takes 1 & 2) (2018 remix) 3:03
15. Premier Drums (Takes 1 & 3) (2018 remix) 2:17
16. Charles Atlas (Take 1) 0:33
17. Rotosound Strings (Take 1) (2018 remix) 0:15
18. Track Records (2018 remix) 0:34
19. John Mason Cars (Takes 1 - 3) / Speakeasy / Rotosound Strings / Bag O’ Nails
(2018 remixes) 1:02
20. It’s A Girl (aka “Glow Girl”) (Takes 1 & 3) 3:21
21. Mr Hyde (1st stage mix Take 1) 2:39
22. Little Billy (Takes 1 & 3) 4:14
23. Mrs Walker (aka “Glow Girl”) (4-track to 4-track mix, take 7) 2:31
24. Call Me Lightning (Take 1 backing track, stereo mix & jam) 6:12
25. Dogs (Take 3) 3:14
26. Melancholia (Take 1) 3:50
27. Shakin’ All Over (Take 3) 1:35
28. Magic Bus (Take 6) 3:00

Most tracks on CD 3 include studio chat, all tracks previously unreleased in this form.

CD FOUR: THE 1968 RECORDINGS (‘THE ROAD TO TOMMY’)

1. Glow Girl 2:27
2. Faith in Something Bigger 3:09
3. Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde 2:38
4. Call Me Lightning 2:23
5. Little Billy’s Doing Fine 2:19
6. Dogs 3:10
7. Melancholia 3:21
8. Fortune Teller 2:22
9. Facts Of Life (aka “Birds And Bees,” backing track) 3:22
10. Magic Bus (single version) 3:20
11. Call Me Lightning (U.S./U.K. mono single mix) 2:24
12. Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde (U.K. mono single mix) 2:39
13. Dogs (U.K. mono single mix) 3:07
14. Magic Bus (mono, longer version) 4:35

Track 9 previously unreleased

CD FIVE: PETE TOWNSHEND ORIGINAL DEMOS

1. Kids? Do You Want Kids 1:43
2. Relax 3:44
3. Glow Girl 3:26
4. Glow Girl (Version 2) 3:00
5. Inside Outside U.S.A. 3:06
6. Jaguar 2:59
7. Little Billy 2:11
8. Odorono 3:09
9. Pictures of Lily 3:31
10. Relax (Version 2) 2:26
11. Melancholia (2018 remix) 3:21
12. Thinking of You All the While (“Sunrise” Version 2) 3:15
13. Mary Anne With the Shaky Hands 3:15
14. I Can See for Miles 4:15

All previously unreleased and exclusive to the Super Deluxe Edition.

BONUS 7” DISCS:

Track U.K. 45:

I Can See for Miles (early mono mix with single-tracked vocal)
Someone’s Coming (original U.K. Track single mix with single-tracked vocal)
Decca U.S.A. 45:
Magic Bus (U.S./U.K. mono)
Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde (original U.S. Decca single mix)

AFI has a summer album on tap

AFI returns with new music on June 11 with the new album "Bodies" through Rise Records.

The album is heralded by two new songs -- "Looking Tragic" and "Begging For Trouble" -- alongside a video for "Looking Tragic" by longtime AFI collaborator Adam Mason. Both new tracks will be included on a limited 7" -- find more information HERE.

"Bodies" was produced by the band's Jade Puget and mixed by Tony Hoffer (M83, Phoenix, Silversun Pickups). Watch the video for "Looking Tragic" HERE, and hear the new songs and pre-order Bodies HERE.

"'Looking Tragic' addresses the theme of overstimulation resulting in desensitization," says frontman Davey Havok. "Melodic and driving, the song came to life quickly and immediately stood out as a track to make bodies, if not sentiments, move."

"After years of receiving early versions of songs from Jade and Davey, in forms that span loosely arranged chords and scratch vocal to fully realized demos, I think I have become quite adept at knowing which songs will or will not make the record," adds drummer Adam Carson. "'Begging For Trouble' was green lit, at least in my mind, the moment I heard the vocals come in. To me, the track is a cornerstone of the new record."

The album announcement follows last month's release of "Twisted Tongues" and "Escape From Los Angeles," which were the band's first new music since the acclaimed The Missing Man EP in 2018. Hear both tracks HERE. The tracks were included on a limited 7", which can be purchased HERE.

2017’s AFI (The Blood Album) hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative and Hard Rock Albums Charts and No. 5 on The Billboard 200. It was the band’s second consecutive Top 10 Billboard debut, following 2013’s Burials.

"AFI is such an integral part of who I am. What we do with AFI together is a foundation for me," explains frontman Davey Havok. "Coming back is a return to a home I've always known."

It's a sentiment shared by the entire band. "I couldn’t do what I do in AFI in any other place," observes guitarist Jade Puget. "Davey and I have written songs together for over 20 years now. I couldn't find the thing he and I have together anywhere else, nor the thing the four of us have when we come together. AFI is home for me and will always be that."

"At this point, it's not even a choice. It's just what I do," drummer Adam Carson concurs. "I started this band with Davey when I was 16. It's something that I love so much. It's just a part of me."

"Every album is an opportunity to show people a snapshot of our evolution," adds bassist Hunter Burgan. "And with this band, it's always something fresh. We’ve been playing together for so long that I have a deep understanding of each of my bandmates‘ musical styles, and yet I am still pleasantly surprised by the new things they bring to each record."

The platinum success of 2003's "Sing the Sorrow" was replicated three years later with "Decemberunderground." Other releases such as "Burials" went Top 10 on the Billboard 200 and the self-titled album, commonly referred to as "the Blood Album," became AFI's second-highest charting album since their inception, debuting at No. 5 in 2017.

"Anyone who knows our catalog knows that no two records really sit together," Puget points out. "Some sit a little closer, maybe. We do certain things, just by virtue of who we are, that are consistent, but those things come about organically. Every time we do something, I have to judge it on its own merits. Some fans are going to judge a new album, or a new song, based on what's come before. But as artists, we can't do that, because it would only hinder our creativity."

Track listing:

1. Twisted Tongues

2. Far Too Near
3. Dulcería
4. On Your Back
5. Escape From Los Angeles
6. Begging For Trouble
7. Back From The Flesh
8. Looking Tragic
9. Death Of The Party
10. No Eyes
11. Tied To A Tree

Paul Weller unveils 'Fat Pop'

On May 14, Paul Weller releases "Fat Pop (Volume 1)," his 16th solo album since 1992. It arrives just under a year after June 2020’s UK chart-topping On Sunset. 

A video for “Cosmic Fringes” which can be viewed here.

During spring last year, after his tour dates were postponed, Paul Weller needed something else to focus on. With many ideas for new songs stored on his phone, Paul started to record them on his own with just vocals, piano, and guitar which he’d send to his core band members (drummer Ben Gordelier, Steve Cradock on guitar, and bassist Andy Crofts) to add their parts. The band reconvened at Weller’s Black Barn studio in Surrey when restrictions were lifted to finish the work.

"Fat Pop (Volume 1)" – Paul adding the “Volume 1” to keep options open for a second volume in the future includes “Moving Canvas” (a tribute to Iggy Pop) and guests like Lia Metcalfe, a young Liverpudlian singer with The Mysterines who also co-wrote "True." Andy Fairweather-Low adds vocals to “Testify” and Paul’s daughter Leah co-wrote and features on “Shades Of Blue” - the first single taken from the album. Hannah Peel adds string scores to “Cobweb Connections” and “Still Glides The Stream.”

"Fat Pop" comes in several formats:

Standard CD
Individual exclusive cassettes for Indie Record Stores and Paul’s artist store
Individual exclusive colored vinyl for Amazon, Indie Record Stores, and Paul’s artist store
Black Heavyweight vinyl
Exclusive picture disc vinyl

Deluxe Formats which include Fat Pop, Mid-Sömmer Musik (the live special from November last year), and bonus tracks:
3 CD Box Set
3 LP Box set – heavyweight black vinyl

Track listing:

COSMIC FRINGES

TRUE
FAT POP
SHADE OF BLUE
GLAD TIMES
COBWEB / CONNECTIONS
TESTIFY
THAT PLEASURE
FAILED
MOVING CANVAS
IN BETTER TIMES
STILL GLIDES THE STREAM

paulweller.com

Spiritualized vinyl reissue series starts in April

Spiritualized and Fat Possum Records released details for the first stage of The Spaceman Reissue Program: definitive vinyl releases of the first four Spiritualized albums. Curated by J Spaceman, the series will kick off April 23 with Spiritualized’s 1992 debut, Lazer Guided Melodies.

Lazer Guided Melodies was recorded from 1990-91, its 12 songs divided into four movements.

Reflecting on the transition from Spacemen 3 to the first realization of the Spiritualized sound, Pierce recalls:

"The last Spacemen 3 record was under-realized to me. When I listen back to that stuff it sounds like somebody finding their way. There was a lot of ideas but no way to put them into a space that would make them all work. So, there was a huge freedom forging over the last Spacemen 3 record and when Spiritualized started it was like, ‘OK it’s all yours. Go’…

We recorded the tracks in the studio near my flat which was a place where they predominantly recorded advertising jingles and it’s where we made all the Spacemen 3 records, but then the recordings were taken to Battery Studios in London, to explore a more professional way of making music… Once I approached that way of doing things I opened up a whole world and I was astounded that somebody could take those tracks and turn it into the record it became...”

The Spaceman Reissue Program edition of Lazer Guided Melodies promises to give those recordings the fullest spectrum audio and physical treatment they’ve deserved since 1992. It will be the first in this series of 180g double albums mastered from a half speed lacquer cut from original sources by Alchemy Mastering, presented in a gatefold jacket adorned by reworked art by Mark Farrow, and available in both a standard black vinyl pressing and limited edition white vinyl exclusive to D2C / indie retail.

Alongside the vinyl reissue, for a limited time there will also be a comprehensive series of Lazer Guided Melodies merchandise based on original vintage designs available via spiritualized.com.

Further information on The Spaceman Reissue Program releases of Pure Phase (1995), Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space (1997) and Let It Come Down (2001) are TBA.

Long awaited new album by The Offspring slated for April

A release date has been set for The Offspring's first new album in nearly a decade. "Let The Bad Times Roll" will be available via Concord Records on April 16. It can be pre-ordered HERE. First single “Let The Bad Times Roll” is available HERE.

Songs were written and recorded over the course of the last several years at various locations including the band’s Huntington Beach, California studio. The album is the band’s third time working in collaboration with producer Bob Rock.

The title track, written in late 2019 and recorded in 2020, reflects the country’s ongoing challenges. Front man Dexter Holland said: “I feel like we’re in a unique period in history where instead of our world leaders saying ‘we’re doing our best’ it’s more like they’re saying ‘fuck it’ and its really scary.”

Guitarist Noodles added: “Folks are saying, if it’s all going to Hell, we might as well make the most out of it, or at least go out swinging. ‘Let The Bad Times Roll!’"

The Offspring is: singer Dexter Holland, guitarist Noodles, drummer Pete Parada and new bassist Todd Morse.

TRACK LISTING:

This Is Not Utopia

Let The Bad Times Roll
Behind Your Walls
Army of One
Breaking These Bones
Coming For You
We Never Have Sex Anymore
In The Hall of the Mountain King
The Opioid Diaries
Hassan Chop
Gone Away
Lullaby

Real Estate's new EP 'Half a Human' out next month

Real Estate have a new EP due out March 26 on Domino. Titled Half a Human, a collection of six songs. While the architecture of each was constructed during sessions for their 2020 album, The Main Thing, the tracks came to life when vocalist/guitarist Martin Courtney, bassist/vocalist Alex Bleeker, keyboardist Matt Kallman and guitarist Julian Lynch began trading the material back and forth remotely throughout the pandemic.

"Life keeps changing and additional responsibilities and stresses keep being added, but this band is still here," says Martin Courtney. "When I was writing a lot of these songs, I was feeling a little weird about being in a band. Like, 'how is this still a thing?' I was feeling silly about it and then coming around to it at the same time. This is what we're good at and it's what we love to do and want to keep doing. I don't want to do anything else."

The title track "Half a Human" is available now alongside a music video directed by FISK.

Watch it here: https://smarturl.it/HalfAHumanYT

"Half a Human" has long been a staple of Real Estate's live set. Martin Courtney originally wrote the lyrics about the alienation of life on tour. 

Across Half a Human the band tackles subjects of aging, connection and loss of innocence.  On "D+" - written and sung by Alex Bleeker - he recalls watching the aftermath of 9/11 from the outskirts of Real Estate's native New Jersey. On "In The Garden," the band reflects on the push-and-pull of the central question asked by the whole Half a Human EP: what does it mean to make art in America while holding on to your roots and pushing yourself into exciting new places?

In addition to working on the EP, the band released an augmented reality concert experience called The Quarantour, performed in a refrigerator, covered The Doobie Brothers, Galaxie 500 and Joni Mitchell, raised money for Fair Fight and more.

Half a Human is available digitally and on 1000 copies of a limited edition 12". Pre-order it from Domino Mart or the band's store here.

Track List:

Desire Path

Half a Human
Soon
D+
In the Garden
Ribbon

Nancy Wilson of Heart unveils debut solo album details

Nancy Wilson, the co-founder, guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer from Heart is set to release her first solo album, You and Me on May 7 via her new label, Carry On Music.

It was recorded primarily in Wilson’s California home studio, working with band members and special guests remotely. “Being off the road last year from touring with Heart, and at home with my good guitars and amps out,” Wilson says, “I felt like I was once again able to reconnect with my pre-Heart self, my college-girl self, creating poetic, intimate and romantic songs, which pretty much is what I first brought in to Heart.”

Most of the tracks are originals, but Wilson decided to include a handful of covers by a few of her favorites, including a female perspective of Pearl Jam’s “Daughter,” Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” featuring Sammy Hagar, and a cover of the Cranberries “Dreams,” featuring Liv Warfield from Nancy’s previous band Roadcase Royale.

The first single from the album was Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising," which dropped last fall. “During this horrific time in the world, with all this enduring loss, it seemed like the right time for an aspirational song about hope and perseverance,” Wilson says.

The other eight tracks are originals, mostly acoustic ballads, but there are also some rockers like “Party at the Angel Ballroom” which features a backing band, including Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. The album ends with 4 Edward,” Nancy’s tribute to Eddie Van Halen. 

She came to know Eddie when Heart toured with Van Halen, and she once asked him why he didn’t play acoustic. “I don’t have one,” he told her, which she immediately rectified. Eddie took the guitar she gave him and wrote a song on it that stole Nancy’s heart. After his death last year, Nancy knew she had to return the favor.

The title track “You and Me,” as with several of the songs on the album, reunites Wilson with longtime collaborator Sue Ennis, who co-wrote many of Heart’s classics with Nancy, and sister Ann. “I’ve known Sue since I was 12,” Nancy says. “Back then she was a high school friend of Ann’s. We’ve always worked well together.” The single will be released digitally on March 8, 2020 with an album pre-order set to launch the same day. Fans can pre-save the track, here.

With her band Heart, Nancy Wilson has recorded 16 albums, sold over 35 million albums worldwide and has four Grammy nominations. She had previously released one other album with just her name on it, Live at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which captured her playing a set of covers and new songs in 1999. But considers this her first true solo album, a positive creative move amid a surreal year of loss; life during lock down.

“I don’t know why it took me so long to do this,” she laughs. “Maybe I was stuck in traffic, maybe I was stuck in the Heart vortex of it all.” But in a year with “no traffic,” Wilson finally found a place for the music she’s been writing in her head for decades.

Listen to "The Rising" HERE

Track listing:

1. You and Me
2. The Rising
3. I’ll Find You
4. Daughter
5. Party at the Angel Ballroom (with Duff McKagan & Taylor Hawkins)
6. The Boxer (with Sammy Hagar)
7. Walk Away
8. The Inbetween
9. Dreams (with Liv Warfield)
10. The Dragon
11. We Meet Again
12. 4 Edward