I think it's pretty cool that Peter Murphy recorded a cover version of John Lennon's masterpiece, "Instant Karma", even if the only place 99.9% of the population will ever hear it is in a Chase Bank commercial.

Since you apparently can't embed videos in blog posts, if you'd like to see it, you'll need to go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEo36V2RDPg

Fans of The Talking Heads (particularly their avant-garde frontman, David Byrne) have two CDs to look forward to this fall and winter...

David Byrne's album "Music for the Knee Plays", a brass band-and-spoken work score for Robert Wilson's theater piece "The Knee Plays" was recorded in 1984 and has been one of the hardest finds for Byrne completists since. The album was originally released on vinyl and tape only and has never been officially released on CD.

Recently, David went through his archives to dig up the original masters and stumbled on a bunch of unreleased stuff, pictures and unfinished recordings. From all of this, a special edition of "Knee Plays" will be compiled for release on CD this October.

Also, the previsouly announced and cancelled live CD "Live from Austin Texas" got a new release date - the live CD is now scheduled for release on January 8, 2008 and is available for pre-order from Amazon now.

The CD contains a selection of songs from David's "Eyeball Tour" recorded in Austin, TX and contains a mix of tracks from the Talking Heads era, early solo work and the love-it-or-hate-it cover of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody".

Track listing:
1. (Nothing But) Flowers
2. God's Child
3. And She Was
4. Once In A Lifetime
5. Great Intoxication
6. Marching Through The Wilderness
7. Revolution
8. This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)
9. What A Day That Was
10. Descondido Soy
11. Like Humans Do
12. Life During Wartime
13. I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Depeche Mode front man, Dave Gahan, will release his second solo album - HOURGLASS - in late October (exact date to be announced). The Mute release is the follow-up to his 2003 solo album 'Paper Monsters', which marked his debut as a full-fledged songwriter. The disc earned critical acclaim worldwide (with Q magazine citing it as one of the Top 50 Albums of the Year) and spawned sold-out solo tours of the U.S. and Europe (as captured on the 2004 live DVD release Live Monsters).

Gahan's growth as a songwriter was represented on Depeche Mode's 2005 album 'Playing The Angel', the group's first album to feature Gahan originals; his three contributions included the single "Suffer Well." A two million worldwide seller that vaulted to Number #1 in eighteen countries, the album was accompanied by a 2005-2006 international tour reaching 2.5 million people across 30 countries.

While Depeche Mode is catching their breath, Gahan recently returned to the studio to record an array of songs that would become HOURGLASS. Created without the pressure of a deadline, Gahan wrote and produced all the songs in collaboration with Christian Eigner (drums) and Andrew Phillpott (guitars) of the Depeche Mode touring band. They worked at Gahan's 11th Floor Studios in his adopted hometown of NYC where he's lived for the past 10 years. Tony Hoffer, known for his work with Beck, Air, the Kooks and the Fratellis, has been tapped to mix the album in July.

Gahan says HOURGLASS is more electronic-sounding than 'Paper Monsters', "but we were very aware of the importance of keeping urgency in the sound and a feeling of spontaneity. We didn't want to get bogged down in trying to make everything sound perfect. You want to keep the rough edges."

Gahan adds: "Christian plays drums and Andrew can easily find his way around bass and guitar - and then we're basically cutting all this stuff up and fucking with it by using ProTools, effects and all kinds of stuff. Accidents do happen, and they're good."

With its themes of racing against - and running out of - time, the songs on HOURGLASS dig deeper into Gahan's psyche. "I'm still that teenager who's desperately trying to grow up, but in total fear of it really happening," he says. The album's tracks include "Saw Something," "Use You," "Endless," "21 Days," "A Little Lie," "Deeper and Deeper," "Love Will Leave," "Down," "Miracles," "Tomorrow" and "Kingdom".

From Peter Hook's MySpace blog...

(Typos corrected by anal group moderator, who long ago had a lengthy, one-on-one conversation with Mr. Hook. He comes across verbally as far more intelligent than he does in writing. Thank God.)

"I suppose it was the interview with Clint Boon that started it all off. He'd asked me for a few words on Perry Farrell's Satellite Party single, Dogstar (which he thought was great), so I went on and lo and behold mentioned the New Order split. So I suppose because it was me sayin' it, it was out at last. I'm relieved. Really hated carryin' on as normal with an awful secret, so let's move on, shall we?"

By Sophie Goodchild and Susie Mesure
Published: 13 May 2007

Bryan Ferry, the voice of Roxy Music, has been dropped as the face of Marks & Spencer's menswear collection.

The move follows criticism of the singer over remarks he made about Nazi Germany and his admiration for the work of Leni Riefenstahl, notorious for her Nazi propaganda films.

His agent confirmed yesterday that he is no longer being used by the retailer and that negotiations were not taking place for a new contract.

Although officially M&S said it "hadn't decided what we're doing" regarding the next batch of Autograph adverts, in which Ferry posed in a suit, privately the company admitted that they would not feature Ferry.

The male style icon provoked outrage in the Jewish community after The Independent on Sunday revealed the contents of an interview he gave in Germany.

In the piece, published in Welt am Sonntag, the 61-year-old acknowledged to calling his studio in west London his Führerbunker and revealed how he reveres the aesthetics of Nazi Germany.

"My God, the Nazis knew how to present themselves," he said.

"Leni Riefenstahl's movies and Albert Speer's buildings and the mass parades and the flags - just amazing. Really beautiful."

This prompted MPs led by Andrew Dismore to table a Commons motion urging shoppers to snub M&S and refuse to buy Ferry albums. The singer then issued an apology in which he said his comments had been made from an art history perspective.

An M&S spokeswoman said none of its models are on an ongoing contract, and that it would be "really unusual" for any of them to work with them for more than two seasons. She added that "no further executions are planned" of the Ferry campaign.

Stephen Howard, his manager, denied that Ferry had been officially "dropped" and said that the original deal signed with the retailer had only been for two photo shoots for two campaigns.

"Technically he fulfilled the obligations of the contract when he did the last photoshoot," said Mr Howard. "It was a successful association for both parties."

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A Personal Statement from Bryan Ferry

In response to recent items in the media that have depicted me as an admirer of fascism, and, worse, Nazism, I would like to set the record straight.

During a 45 minute interview for a German newspaper a couple of months ago while promoting my new album of Bob Dylan songs "Dylanesque", I was, among many other things, asked about my career-long interest in style and design.

It has been widely reported that in this interview I described Nazism as "just amazing", and said that my London recording studio is known as a 'fuhrer-bunker'. It is also said that my passing interest in certain formal aspects of the work of two German modernists, the filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl, and the architect Albert Speer, is evidence that I condone the politics and policies of the Third Reich.

These are false accusations. In fact and in substance, they are as absurd as they are personally upsetting.

I did not describe fascism in these terms, neither ever would I, nor did I even discuss fascism in this interview-period. I have never referred to my studio as a 'fuhrer-bunker.' Stories resulting from this interview have misrepresented my feelings, the language I used, distorted and seriously reinterpreted the meaning of what I did say and were totally taken out of context.

As a student of Fine Art at Newcastle University, I studied European Modernism. Along with thousands of others, I visited the exhibition 'Modernism', held last year at London's Victoria & Albert Museum, which included the work of Speer and Riefenstahl.

From an art historical perspective, the work of German modernists is widely acknowledged; to suggest that an aesthetic and historical interest in them is evidence of agreement with or an endorsement of the politics of their creators, or of the people they served, is, frankly, ridiculous.

My entire career as a singer and songwriter has in many ways been a paean to black American and Jewish art forms and artists - to soul music, jazz, blues, and to the great writers and performers of Hollywood and Broadway musicals.

Like all sane people, I find the politics and policies of fascism and Nazism to be abhorrent and I deeply apologize to anyone who was unintentionally hurt by the way my comments were misrepresented in the media.

Bryan Ferry
May 2007

The Human Rights Campaign has joined forces with legendary performer Cyndi Lauper to launch a national tour in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. The True Colors 2007 Tour will feature Cyndi and other incredible artists including Erasure, Debbie Harry, The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip, The Misshapes and Margaret Cho as well as a variety of special guests, including Rufus Wainwright in certain cities. In addition, HRC will receive a portion of every ticket sold.

Cyndi Lauper has long been a supporter of the GLBT community, and particularly of HRC. Her motivation for this tour stemmed from her desire to give back to the community for the love and support they have given her throughout her career, while bringing gay and straight audiences together in support of equality.

This 15 city nationwide tour, presented by Logo, kicks off Gay & Lesbian Pride Month on June 8th at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena. The concerts will feature five hours of nonstop music with other exciting special guests appearing on select dates throughout the tour including Rufus Wainright, Rosie O'Donnell and Indigo Girls with additional guests to be announced.

The Human Rights Campaign seeks to improve the lives of GLBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs. One dollar of every ticket sold will benefit the Human Rights Campaign.

The tour will also give Americans an opportunity to learn more about and become involved with the Matthew Shepherd Foundation and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

Tickets for select cities are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster. Alternately visit the Human Rights Campaign website for ticket information.

Dates and venues are as follows:

Friday, June 8th (special guest Indigo Girls)
Las Vegas, NV
MGM Grand Garden Arena

Saturday, June 9th (special guest The Cliks)
Salt Lake City, UT
USANA Amphitheater

Sunday, June 10th (special guest The Cliks)
Denver, CO
Red Rocks Amphitheater

Tuesday, June 12th (special guest The Cliks)
Chicago, IL
Auditorium Theatre

Friday, June 15th
Atlantic City, NJ
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Saturday, June 16th (special guest Rufus Wainwright)
Boston, MA
Bank of America Pavilion

Sunday, June 17th (special guest Rufus Wainwright)
Washington, DC
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Monday, June 18th (special guests Rosie O'Donnell, Amanda Lepore and Cazwell)
New York, NY
Radio City Music Hall

Tuesday, June 19th (special guest The Cliks)
Toronto, ON
Molson Amphitheater

Thursday, June 21st
Atlanta, GA
Chastain Park Amphitheater

Saturday, June 23rd (special guest Rosie O'Donnell)
Dallas, TX
Smirnoff Music Centre

Sunday, June 24th (special guest Rosie O'Donnell)
Houston, TX
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Wednesday, June 27th (special guest Jeffree Star)
San Diego, CA
SDSU Open Air Theater

Friday, June 29th (special guest Jeffree Star)
San Francisco, CA
Greek Theatre

Saturday, June 30th (special guest Jeffree Star)
Los Angeles, CA
Greek Theatre

So I thought instead of only posting music/artist news blog entries, I'd start throwing in more "personal" posts (group related, of course) every so often. Hey, if nothing else, it's a human touch and won't leave you all wondering if there isn't some bot on this side of the keyboard uploading content.

Right out of the gate, I want to thank you all for being here and for the comments you leave on different tracks and videos. I'm happy to be able to share my library with you guys and doubly so that it's appreciated.

I received a comment recently that for some inexplicable reason, the upload of Duran Duran's "Is There Something I Should Know?" came out all fucked up. Was kind of nostalgic for me, actually... sounded very much like it did on the well-worn LP I once owned, pops, skips and all. Anyway, I went back and re-ripped it and - while I was at it - ripped the rest of the disc, too. So, if you are (or were ever) a Duran Duran fan, you can now find their entire first US release scattered throughout the music files.

Also had a member request for some Xmal Deutschland which has since been uploaded, both in audio and video. Same member requested Siouxsie's "Cities In Dust" video, but while I have the damned thing, each attempt to upload it has failed. I'll try to find another copy and see if I can't get it added next week.

There's a lot I still have prepped to upload here, but if there's something you've been looking for that you can't find, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll either get it up here or let you know (with a hung digital head) that I can't locate it.

Thanks again for your messages, comments, requests and input. Keep 'em coming!

Influenced by the many Blues parties they attended as teenagers in the multicultural Balsall Heath area of Birmingham, UB40's recordings were inspired by early 70’s reggae and classic soul, songs that would have otherwise been forgotten in the public eye. Those influences are ever present on this superb 18 track collection. UB40 have dug deep to bring you the very best in dub, reggae, soul and jazz from such luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, U Roy, The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs and Black Uhuru, to mention just a few.

Brian Travers said, “We eventually settled on the idea of picking a few tracks each and compiling an album that could give an insight into what our tour bus on occasions has sounded like after a gig, the sounds that kept the homesickness at bay and made the miles melt into the road.“

These are the tracks included that have influenced UB40...

TRACKLISTING:

Why Can’t We Live Together – Timmy Thomas
Youth of Eglington – Black Uhuru
Wear You To The Ball – U Roy and The Paragons
My Girl – Michael Jackson
Legalise It – Peter Tosh
Wood Roots – King Tubby Meets The Upsetter
Never Had A Dream Come True – Stevie Wonder
Black Star Liners – Fred Locks
Mr Know-It All – Gregory Isaacs
Use Me – Bill Withers
Progress (Part Two) – Big Youth
Marcus Garvey – Burning Spear
This Is Reggae Music – Zap Pow
African Herbsman – The Wailers
Try A Little Tenderness – Otis Redding
My Girl – U. Roy and The Techniques
What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye
Are We A Warrior - Ijahman

"Under the Influence" was released in the UK on Feb. 26. It is scheduled for release in the US on April 3rd.

Night Life - Volume of artwork


First presented in a unique, large-format limited edition in Laurie’s fall 2005 exhibition The Waters Reglitterized at Sean Kelly Gallery, Night Life is a limited edition book from Steidl/Edition 7L of Laurie’s original drawings which chronicle her dreams during a year on the road touring her recent solo performance.


“For the last year I’ve been on the road with a solo performance. Every night another theater, another hotel room. Gradually my dreams became wild, vivid, more and more relentless. Headless singing squirrels, vast empty spaces, bizarre clatterings and invasions. My own dark and private theatre was slowly taking over. I began to draw these dreams literally out of self-defense. I kept the computer drawing tablet next to the bed and tried to capture them in their most raw state. After many months of drawing my dreams I was drawn into the odd language and logic of the images. Often I drew my own head in the foreground. What did that mean? Who’s watching who? Often the dreams were alternate versions of the day’s events. Sometimes they were heavily charged atmospheres, sensations, emotions. Depictions of bewilderment, ecstasy, weightlessness, abandonment, freedom.”


Night Life is Laurie Anderson’s diary of dreams and their literal recreation as works of art. In her new book Anderson uses the language of dreams to investigate the dream itself. The resulting pieces drawings and text, draw on her work in theater, lyrics and narrative.


The volume is now available through Amazon and all major retailers.



Big Science re-release


Nonesuch Records will re-release Laurie’s breakthrough first album Big Science in June ’07 to mark Laurie’s 60th birthday. With exclusive liner notes as well as rarities, remixes and never before heard tracks, Big Science will be the first release in Nonesuch’s re-release/remastering of Laurie’s catalog.



New album in the works


Finally, Laurie is in the studio recording her new album entitled Homeland. Nonesuch will release the album in early 2008.

A vintage Fairlight CMI keyboard, signed by 44 artists who brought the instrument to prominence in the 1980s, received a winning bid of $100,000 US at the WITNESS Focus For Change Benefit Dinner and Concert in New York City on December 11, 2006. Proceeds from the winning bid will be dedicated to WITNESS, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to use video technology to expose human rights violations around the world.

The WITNESS Focus For Change Benefit Dinner and Concert was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and was co-hosted by WITNESS founder Peter Gabriel and actor Gael Garcia Bernal. The event featured performances by Paul Simon, Angelique Kidjo, and Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of the B-52’s.

The autographs penned onto the keyboard included those of David Bowie, Bono, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Elvis Costello, Thomas Dolby, Annie Lennox, Steve Winwood, Kate Bush, David Gilmour, Brian Eno, Mark Knopfler and Sir George Martin. The Fairlight CMI was the world’s first digital sampler and featured other radical advances for the time, including a light pen interface and menu-driven GUI. It was used in numerous hits from the 1980s, including “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “Rockit” by Herbie Hancock.

John Lancken, CEO of Fairlight had this to say, “The generosity of 44 Fairlight users to sign the CMI keyboard speaks to the importance of bringing human rights violations to the surface. It is an honor to have played an integral role in raising money for the WITNESS cause and Fairlight is proud that the CMI keyboard not only symbolizes a pivotal era in the history of rock and roll, but has now taken on an even greater significance.”

Gillian Caldwell, Director of WITNESS added, “As an organization focused on the use of technology to bring about worldwide change, WITNESS applauds the remarkable steps Fairlight has taken to support our cause through its own technological innovations. The impact of the Fairlight CMI on the music industry, and the recognition of that impact by the world’s most influential musicians, has translated into a major donation towards the fight to end human rights abuses.”