Todd Rundgren Recruits Guest Artists for Democratic Campaign Anthem

Todd Rundgren and some well known guest artists are re-recording his 1973 anthem “Just One Victory” and giving it away for free to Democrats throughout the US running for public office this year. So far Joe Walsh, Daryl Hall, and Paul Shaffer have already agreed to join the effort along with producer Don Was. The idea was suggested by former Bearsville Records executives Paul Fishkin and Marc Nathan.

“Just One Victory” originally appeared as the final track on Rundgren's critically acclaimed 1973 album, A Wizard, a True Star.

Rundgren hopes that other notable artists sign on as well. “Let's go for 'We Are the World,'” he recently told Andy Greene of Rolling Stone. “Not many people know about it at this particular moment, especially because just as we were getting into the project this huge distraction [of the virus] came along. We are waiting for everyone to settle down from that before we refocus on the political and start actively soliciting some performances.”

Guest artists on the song don't need to be musicians or even musically inclined. Once the song is recorded any Democrat will be able to use the song for free. “It's really the kind of thing to get people hyped up and ready to go out and vote,” Rundgren says.

Read the recent interview Todd Rundgren did with Andy Greene of Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/todd-rundgren-victory-democrats-973903/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Alt-Rock Review: Morrissey - I am Not a Dog on a Chain

Release Date: March 20, 2020

Label: BMG

Website

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Moz is back with his 13th studio album, I am not a Dog on a Chain. Typical of the tortured man, proudly standing his modest piece of ground, the title perfectly matches the sentiment within. Brutal honesty and spilling of one's guts to the point where the listener, for fear of crying, can't help but laugh. 

Other than the atmospheric, eight-minute petulant grouch-fest, "The Secret of Music," there isn't much to draw my interest beyond the tried and true intro/verse/chorus/verse/solo/chorus pop-punk progression. Beginning with The Smiths whose sound defined 1980's British Indie Rock, this formula has served Morrisey well, and the musicianship on this album is solid. Yet, it serves primarily as a foundation for the grouchy vegetarian's sulky bitch-fest, ripe with warning shots of impending doom and hell-to-pay for anyone attempting daring to approach his fragile ego.  

Somewhere within this ridiculous self-indulgence lies the sublime. Worthy moments beckon the disaffected and marginalized and shine a light forward. On the title track, Moz bellows, "open up your nervous mouth and feel the words come streaming out… For otherwise, you'll never know who you are or all that you can do. If you want to" On "Knockabout World," Morrisey belts in his lush, dramatic tone, "Congratulations, you're still okay. I'd kiss your lips off any day." There is no shortage of sage advice from the aging prima donna either, "Time will mold you and craft you. But soon, when you're looking away. It will slide up and shaft you." 

As we've come to know about Morrisey, things can turn dark in a hurry. On "Jim Jim Falls," he encourages a poor indecisive soul to commit suicide. "If you're going to jump, then jump. If you're going to run home and cry, then don't waste my time. If you're going to kill yourself, then to save face, get on with it." There is no shortage of paranoia either, "Time will come, but it hasn't yet. "Someone's out to get me."  

All in all, Morrisey continues to play the victim on this slightly different spin of the same-old, same-old. He has failed to find any new ground, and instead of taking his profound lyrical instincts to blaze a new path forward, he insists on standing his ground, shouting like a disgruntled diva into the void while the world collapses around him.

- Tom Endyke | Guitar & Pen

New LITTLE VILLAINS Album Celebrates The Crazy Life Of MOTÖRHEAD Drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor!

Los Angeles, CA - Phil Taylor put the motor in Motörhead for 13 incredible years, recording drums for that iconic band on 11 studio albums as well as 4 live albums. His stage presence became the stuff of rock legend and the ferocity with which he attacked his kit (as well as offstage antics) earned him the moniker Philthy Animal. Under appreciated in his later years, Taylor continued to play hard-driving rock n’ roll in various outfits, including the superb Little Villains project, formed with producer/musician James Childs of Airbus fame. The group made several studio recordings overseen by Childs, some of which were released in 2019 as the album Philthy Lies.

And now a new Little Villains album is hitting the streets, this time featuring the talents of former Hawkwind bassist and Lemmy prodigy, Alan “Boomer” Davey, who joins Childs on this celebration of the life and talents of Phil Taylor. Featuring the remaining studio recordings Taylor made prior to his passing in 2015, the album Taylor Made bursts with the power and energy of those early Motörhead albums. Childs expresses his enthusiasm for the project saying “I grew up on Motorhead and Hawkwind and to actually work with key members of each group is a milestone in my lifetime that I never could of imagined.”

Check out the first single, the title track, and its inventive animated video here:

Taylor Made will be available on digital, CD and limited edition RED vinyl beginning April 3 courtesy of Cleopatra Records!
To order: https://orcd.co/littlevillains

Track List:
1. Taylor Made
2. Model B
3. Aeroplane
4. All The Flak
5. We All Toil
6. Melony Blue
7. In A Mess
8. Over The Moon
9. Control Yourself
10. Soon

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


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Los Angeles CA 90025
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The 3rd Edition of "The Strawberry Bricks Guide to Progressive Rock" by Charles Snider To be Released March 27, 2020

The Strawberry Bricks Guide to Progressive Rock, 3rd Edition

• Reviews of 510+ albums from 1967 - 1982

• 572 pages

• Fully edited, proofread and fact-checked

Back in print for 2020! The definitive record guide to the progressive era of rock music, Strawberry Bricks presents a comprehensive discography with reviews of 500+ albums, with band histories, musical synopses, key tracks and critical commentary, all presented in the historical context of a timeline. Beginning in 1967 and continuing through 1982, a generation of musicians took rock music in directions unforeseen as they charted what would become known as progressive rock. From art rock to krautrock, from England to Germany to Italy and all across Europe, Strawberry Bricks offers a candid reappraisal of rock’s most cerebral genre. Also for this edition, Matt Howarth has revisited his original artwork from the first edition of the book.

Says Charles, “The newly written Prologue offers a historical perspective of the pretext to the progressive era, beginning post-WWII, while the Epilogue offers a current perspective on progressive rock since the early 80's. I've also spent a good deal of time fact-checking every detail in the book, including song titles and artist names. Further, this edition has been professionally edited and peer reviewed, all to make this as exacting and rewarding a book as the music it covers. Strawberry Bricks is another narrative on the classic era of progressive rock, one with hopefully a novel and candid outlook on the genre, its albums and the men that made it one of the most interesting chapters in rock's history.”

With 212 more reviews, 210 more pages, completely fact-checked and professionally edited, and with a full index, the third edition is a substantial upgrade to owners of the first edition of the book. For owners of the second edition, Matt Howarth once again revisits his original artwork for Strawberry Bricks. Enjoy the music!

Praise for Strawberry Bricks:

“In Strawberry Bricks Charles Snider gives us a history of progressive rock from 1967 to 1982 through his astute, colourful and insightful entries on a personal selection of over 500 albums – and not always the obvious choices. He acts as an informed and trustworthy guide leading the reader on a fascinating journey through the genre.” - Mike Barnes, A New Day Yesterday: UK Progressive Rock & The 1970s

“Snider’s research is impeccable, his writing style enjoyable and it’s hard to fault the inclusion of any of the hundreds of albums he covers.” - Kev Rowland, The Progressive Underground

“Most impressive! I can see it’s phenomenally well researched. Well done.” - Hugh Banton, Van der Graaf Generator

Comments on previous editions of Strawberry Bricks:

“Only one major book on progressive rock that matters has been published this year, and it's this one: The Strawberry Bricks Guide to Progressive Rock (Revised and Expanded Edition) by Charles Snider. This is a work of great passion and expertise by a true aficionado and historian of the form. It's an exhaustive, comprehensive and engaging overview of the genre. It also offers 500+ reviews of important albums from the "golden era" of this music from 1967 to 1982. This is a valuable addition to the library of every enthusiast of progressive music.” - Anil Prasad, Innerviews

“Charles Snider has an encyclopedic knowledge of progressive rock, and has accrued one of the world’s most formidable record collections. No one is better equipped to write the definitive discography of this rich genre of music.” - Jonathan Schang, District 97

About the Author:
Charles Snider has been collecting records since the early 1970s, amassing one of the most complete archives of progressive rock. “One of my earliest memories of vinyl was The Beatles' 'Paperback Writer' b/w 'Rain.' Musically, my love for British music and everything thereafter starts with The Beatles. My daughters are even named after Beatles’ songs!” Snider's self-professed passion for the music “archaeology” continued over the decades, branching out to many other genres of music. “In the early 90s, Kevin Eden and I curated the WMO label, with the cooperation and support of Wire. The CD was a new format, and we released a lot of hard to find records, as well as unreleased archival material and two very good tribute discs.” Upon moving to Chicago in 2000, he began writing the first edition of The Strawberry Bricks Guide to Progressive Rock. “I've always loved record guides. Certainly, Ira Robbin’s Trouser Press was the prototype, but growing up in the 70s with magazines like Circus, Creem and of course Rolling Stone, I've always enjoyed the passion writers convey about music.” While not listening to prog rock in his man-cave, Snider can be found blogging about personal technology or cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 3rd Edition of “The Strawberry Bricks Guide to Progressive Rock” will be released on March 27th, 2020. Available directly from http://strawberrybricks.com/the-book, and from Amazon.com (including UK, JP and the EU). Published by http://www.strawberrybricks.com/ via Kindle Direct Publishing, an Amazon company.

To purchase from Amazon:
Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/39eAui9
Amazon.co.uk https://amzn.to/2JaeQkA

For more information: http://www.strawberrybricks.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Jazz Review: Val Gardena-Across The Divide

Release Date: March 20, 2020

Label: Val Gardena Music

Website

Val Gardena’s Across The Divide is just what the doctor ordered for these crazy times in which we are living. Out of control viruses, stock markets crashing, businesses closing, people in quarantine, there is so much stress and uncertainty that we all need something to take the edge off.
There is nothing like some good jazz to relax you and set your mind at ease.

The main people involved in this recording are Christopher James (composer) John Patitucci (bass), Gene Lake and Nate Smith (drums), Taylor Eigsti (piano) and the exquisite trumpet from Chris Botti on “Back in Time” and “Two of One.” (I have listed all the credits below)

This is a very satisfying recording from beginning to end and it starts with the gorgeous and picturesque title track. All the tracks are smooth and flowing except for “Why Not” which serves as their funky upbeat track with colorful keys and stinging guitar lines. To be honest, I could take an entire album of that even though I love the peace all the other tracks brought me. I still like to jump and jive just as much. That was good to hear that this talented group could flip a switch and take such a wide turn in the road to change direction. To me, that is pure talent and command, and greatly respected and appreciated by this listener.

I have a deep enduring reverence and love for jazz and I need to hear more. I drift off into other genres but can be easily pulled back after listening to superb outings such as Across The Divide. It all went by much too quick for me. I loved the way the curtain closed with “The Voice I Hear The Face I See,” which seamlessly allows you to flow right back to the opening track and hear it all again.

Music like this is timeless and I never tire of it or feel complacency, it is quite the opposite. I am captivated with the quality musicianship and production. It is like looking into a pond of crystal-clear water and watching all the fish or perhaps seeing your reflection in the placid coolness.

Jazz is movement, spirit and precision all wrapped into one amazing package and Across The Divide is an exceptional example of musical perfection that can be rare with all the technologies available to make it sound that way. This is the real deal with the latest in production methods I am sure, but you need the best of the best to make music like this, and with that I have no doubt.

All songs written by Christopher James
(1,4,5,7,9) written by Christopher James and Andy Snitzer

Drums - Graham Hawthorne (1,2,3,4,7,9); Nate Smith (6.8); Gene Lake (5)
Percussion - Graham Hawthorne
Bass - John Patitucci (5,6,8); Zev Katz (1,3,4,7,9); Tim Lefebvre (2)
Guitar - Bernd Schoenhart, Adam Rodgers (5)
Piano -  Mike Ricchiuti, Taylor Eigsti (6,8)
Keyboards / Synthesis - Andy Snitzer
Wurlitzer, B3 - Brian Charette (5)
Trumpet - Chris Botti (6,8); Tatum Greenblatt (1,4); Kent Smith (7)
Saxophone - Andy Snitzer (1,5)
Vocals - Andy Snitzer (4)
Vocals - Jo Lawry (1,2,4,9)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 21, 2020

Review Provided By MuzikMan.net

Tracks: 
1. Across The Divide
2. Take Me With You 2
3. What I Meant To Say
4. Do You Know The Way
5. Why Not
6. Two of One
7. Nazare
8. Back In Time
9. The Voice I Hear The Face I See

 

Prog Rock Luminaries Join Forces To Pay Respects To Two Eternal Legends On A Very Special TRIBUTE TO KEITH EMERSON & GREG LAKE!

Appearances by Todd Rundgren, Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel), David Sancious, Thijs Van Leer (Focus), Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Geoff Downes (Yes/Asia), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre) and more!

Los Angeles, CA - 2016 has been nicknamed “The Year The Music Died” as it saw the passing of such musical giants as David Bowie, Prince and Leonard Cohen (not to mention George Michael, Leon Russell and Alan Vega of Suicide, among many others). Two more names that should absolutely be mentioned in the same breath as these legendary figures are keyboardist Keith Emerson & singer/songwriter/bassist Greg Lake both of whom passed away in 2016 and both of whom had a massive impact on modern rock music not only collectively as part of the brilliant Emerson, Lake & Palmer but individually as well with Emerson as part of pioneering English prog band The Nice and Lake as a founding member of juggernaut King Crimson.

Now a pantheon of well-respected musicians, vocalists and performers have come together, under the watchful ear of highly celebrated producer Billy Sherwood, to offer new interpretations of some of the best loved songs from the careers of these two towering figures of prog rock. From King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man” to ELP’s incredible “Karn Evil #9” and of course the mainstream hit single “Lucky Man,” A Tribute to Keith Emerson & Greg Lake offers a fresh and comprehensive look into some of the 20th century’s most daring compositions re-imagined by a the likes of Todd Rundgren, Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel), Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash), Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Geoff Downes (Yes/Asia), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre),  and Arthur Brown plus a very special performance from Emerson's son Aaron & grandson Ethan!

Producer Billy Sherwood shares his thoughts about the project, saying “The music these guys created is timeless. And is there for future generations to discover. I’m honored to be a part of this project which displays an amazing collection of songs as well as artists contributing to the record. I think fans of the original will appreciate the attention to detail, love and care that went into the production of this project.”

A Tribute To Keith Emerson & Greg Lake will be available starting April 10 on both digital, CD and vinyl (limited edition ORANGE) courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records, a division of Cleopatra Records, Inc.

To purchase: https://orcd.co/keithemersonandgreglake

1. 21st Century Schizoid Man feat. Todd Rundgren & Brian Auger
2. A Time And A Place feat. Leslie Hunt & Derek Sherinian
3. The Sheriff feat. Billy Sherwood & David Sancious
4. C’est La Vie feat. Jon Davison & Larry Fast
5. From The Beginning feat. Thijs Van Leer & John Wesley
6. Hoedown feat. Patrick Moraz
7. Still…YouTurn Me On feat. Sonja Kristina & Steve Porcaro
8. Lucky Man feat. Martin Turner & Geoff Downes
9. Fanfare For The Common Man feat. Aaron & Ethan Emerson
10. Karn Evil #9 1st Impression Part 2 feat. Arthur Brown & Jordan Rudess
BONUS TRACK [CD ONLY]
11. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - ELP Suite: Tarkus / From The Beginning / Tarkus (Reprise)

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com


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Krautrock Legends GURU GURU Release "Live in China" New CD & DVD

These are thrilling years in the GURU GURU camp. In 2018, they celebrated their 50th anniversary on stage since they were founded in 1968, the year of the student's revolt. In 2020, Mani will celebrate his 80th birthday (born on New Years Eve 1940) by embarking on another extensive tour with more than 50 shows.

In between those two special events, Guru Guru played in China for the first time! In 2019, they were invited to a festival in the far east but nobody had a clue what was in store for them. Guru Guru has played all continents in their long career (except maybe the antarctic) but how would the audience in China receive them? It turned out to be a fantastic, sold-out show with more than 1000 fans celebrating the band enthusiastically which you can see and hear on recently released Live CD + DVD. Some even traveled 18 hours by train from Beijing to see the band!

Even though most of the songs were already released in various other albums, this show features a “historic” document and captures the very special atmosphere of a one-time opportunity for both band and fans. It was recorded live in Shenzhen at the Tomorrow Festival on May 19, 2019 and even though the sound-quality is not up to contemporary standards, Guru Guru decided against extensive overdubbing to preserve the unique atmosphere showcasing the reverence Guru Guru enjoys in the worldwide underground-scene!

Musicians:
Mani Neumeier - Drums / Percussion / Kaossilator / Vocals …
Roland Schaeffer - Guitar / Saxophon / Nadaswaran / Vocals …
Peter Kühmstedt - Bass / Vocals …
Jan Lindqvist - Guitar / Lapsteel Guitar / Vocals …



Tour 2020
80 Jahre Elektrolurch
25.01.2020 Immenstadt - Rainbow
26.01.2020 Landsberg - Stadttheater
16.04.2020 Nürnberg - Hirsch
17.04.2020 Jena - Cosmic Dawn
18.04.2020 Schwerin - Speicher
23.04.2020 Dudenhofen - Festhalle* (+ Jane)
24.04.2020 Aachen - Musikbunker*
25.04.2020 Amsterdam (NL) - Melkweg*
07.05.2020 Kassel - Theaterstübchen
08.05.2020 Darmstadt - Bessunger Knabenschule
09.05.2020 Altenkirchen - Haus Felsenkeller
15.05.2020 Torgau - KAP
16.05.2020 Plauen - Malzhaus
28.05.2020 Essen - Zeche Carl*
29.05.2020 Wetzlar - Franzis
30.05.2020 Nürtingen - Kuckucksei
11.07.2020 Hamm - Open Air Festival
30.07.2020 Breitenbach - Burg Herzberg Festival
15.08.2020 Neuleinngen - Burg Open Air & Guru Guru Fest
10.09.2020 Bingen - Binger Bühne
11.09.2020 Bremen - KITO
12.09.2020 Uslar - Kulturbahnhof
24.09.2020 Koblenz - Cafe Hahn*
25.09.2020 Bruchsal - Fabrik (+ Epitaph)
26.09.2020 Kaiserslautern - Irish House
01.10.2020 Rüsselsheim - Das Rind
02.10.2020 Würzburg - Cairo
03.10.2020 Stuttgart - LAB
15.10.2020 Ingolstadt - KUZ
16.10.2020 München/Olching - Legends Lounge
17.10.2020 Wien (A) - Reigen
22.10.2020 Zürich (CH) - Alte Kaserne (+ Marblewood)
23.10.2020 Zofingen (CH) - Oxil
24.10.2020 Schramberg - Kulturbesen
29.10.2020 Pforzheim - KUZ Osterfeld
30.10.2020 Haßfurt - Rathaushalle
31.10.2020 Offenbach - Wiener Hof
05.11.2020 Bonn - Harmonie
06.11.2020 Wuppertal - LCB
07.11.2020 Dortmund – Piano*
12.11.2020 Regensburg - Alte Mälzerei
13.11.2020 Haiming - Gewölbe Livebühne Eisching
14.11.2020 Hersbruck - Altes Kino
19.11.2020 Soest - Alter Schlachthof
20.11.2020 Ahaus - Attic Musicclub
21.11.2020 OIdenburg - Cadillac
26.11.2020 Berlin - LIDO*
27.11.2020 Hamburg/Bergedorf - KUZ LoLa
28.11.2020 Dorsten - Das LEO
03.12.2020 Ravensburg - Zehntscheuer
04.12.2020 Metzingen - Hirsch
05.12.2020 Kirchheim/Teck - Bastion
10.12.2020 Bietigheim - Kronenzentrum
11.12.2020 Karlsruhe - JUBEZ
12.12.2020 Ludwigshafen - Das Haus
18.12.2020 Bern (CH) - Sternensaal
19.12.2020 Homburg - Musikpark
* mit Violette Sounds

To purchase: 
Distributed by In-Akustik:
info@in-akustik.de
The CD/DVD can also be ordered directly through TRANCE-Music:
trance-music@t-online.de

For more information: http://mani-neumeier.de/guruguru/

TRANCE-Music
Müller-Guttenbrunn-Str. 6 . 67373 DUDENHOFEN, Germany
Tel: 06232 / 94076 .
Fax: 06232 / 94108
e-mail: trance-music@t-online.de

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com