New Wave lives. One of the primary worries of music fans is the prospect of a favorite artist releasing new material after a significant absence from the music scene. Not only because it might suck, but it could be so bad that it consequently tarnishes the great works for which someone holds genuine love and nostalgia. Kind of like the music equivalent of George Lucas releasing new Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. Today, Adam Ant has released his first new studio album in 18 years. Characterized as autobiographical, the lengthy title – Adam Ant is the Blueback Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter – raises more questions than it answers. Thankfully, the music is fantastic; while true to the Adam Ant signature sound, it is definitely not merely a reimagining of what has already been done. [Read more…]
The xx Add New Concert Dates to World Tour for 2013
British indie band The xx will continue touring 2012’s sophomore album, Coexist, throughout the world, and have added some new dates to their schedule. Included are new dates in California and the Pacific Northwest around Cochella and the Sasquatch! Music Festival. [Read more…]
“Fuck The Mayans”: Killing Joke 2013 World Tour, New Studio Album, Deluxe 35th Anniversary Singles Collection Coming Soon
Legendary post-punk band Killing Joke will be celebrating their 35th anniversary with the April 15th release of their The Singles Collection 1972-2012 via Spinefarm/Universal, a new studio album, and a world tour that kicks off in England in March and terminates in Los Angeles in May. [Read more…]
Alicia Keys European/UK Summer 2013 Tour Announced, To Support New Album “Girl On Fire”
Tickets for an Alicia Keys 2013 Summer tour of Europe and England have gone on pre-sale this week, all in support of her latest and fifth studio album, Girl On Fire, which went on sale this week. The Grammy Award-winning artist will play more than 20 arenas during this 2013 European tour, which will launch on May 18 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. [Read more…]
Hotel/Resort Review: Hilton London Tower Bridge Hotel – London, England
This is part of a continuing series of my impressions and experiences staying at various hotels and resorts while traveling to attend concerts worldwide. This review is for the Hilton London Tower Bridge Hotel in London, England for a stay in August 2012. It definitely has earned my highest recommendation. [Read more…]
Clive Farrington, When In Rome UK: “Rock Talk” Podcast Audio Interview
This article features the third in an ongoing series of “Rock Talk” podcast audio interviews for the Rock Subculture Journal. Today’s guest is Clive Farrington of When In Rome UK. Last week I had the pleasure of seeing When In Rome UK perform along with a number of other bands best associated with the 80’s as part of the “Lost 80’s Live!” concert event at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, California. Mr. Farrington is a founding member of When In Rome and was kind enough to take some time to talk with me today about his history and experience with music and in the music industry, and the popularity of their huge hit, “The Promise”.
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Tears for Fears at Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium | San Francisco, California | 8/2/2012 (Concert Review)
The Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium hosted last night’s concert performance by Tears for Fears. It doesn’t get much better than a set that opens with “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”, closes with “Head Over Heels”, and finishes an encore with “Shout”. Some of the most classic songs of the 80s, and the band looks and sounds as great as ever. It was a fantastic evening with an awesome set that spanned their catalog and reflected the real diversity of their work. Truly one of best songwriting teams that helped define the 80s. A fantastic evening and true thrill to see them perform live, and in top form. The songs never sounded better.
Modern English at Harlow’s | Sacramento, California | 7/20/2012 (Concert Review)
Last night Modern English played Harlow’s in Sacramento as part of their U.S. West Coast tour, which begins and ends in the month of July. For me, their biggest hit, “I Melt With You”, was definitely among the best and most decade defining songs of the 80s – it is really ubiquitous with the vibe and culture and new direction in music that took hold in the early 80s. As the band has a history and habit of disbanding (in ’87 and ’91), this was my first time seeing them live, so it was an extra thrill to see the band featuring all of its original members. Of course, it was a matter of time until that seminal classic song would be played on stage, but the set list leading up to it was a fantastic voyage through their incredible catalog, and they sounded absolutely fantastic (and kudos to Harlow’s for the really nicely tuned sound system). It was both incredible and surreal to see this important band play live, just a few feet in front of me, but definitely worth the wait.
Hotel/Resort Review: Megaro Hotel at St. Pancras & King’s Cross – London, England [REVISIT]
This is part of my hotel and resort reviews made to share my impressions and experiences while traveling for concerts. This review is for Megaro Hotel in London, England during a recent visit to London, England. This is the second review of this property, having stayed at the same hotel in December 2011 (see first review). [Read more…]
Hotel/Resort Review: base2stay Kensington – London, England [REVISIT]
This is part of my ongoing series of hotel and resort reviews made while traveling for concerts around the world. This review is for base2stay Kensington in London, England during a recent visit to London, England. This is the second review of this property, having stayed at the same hotel in December 2011 (see first review). [Read more…]