Thursday, August 29, 2019

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark release 40th anniversary edition of "Electricity"


Last week Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark announced a 7 disc career spanning collection Souvenir. This week OMD made another special announcement - in celebration of the 40th anniversary of their debut single "Electricity," they'll release a limited edition anniversary edition pressed on ultra clear vinyl.

The 7" single includes the original Factory version of "Electricity," a new mix of the b-side "Almost" remixed by Vince Clarke, plus cover art inspired/adapted by Peter Saville's original "Electricity" artwork.

Andy McCluskey: For Paul and I, holding in our hands an actual vinyl record of a song we had written as 16 year olds was one of the greatest thrills of our young lives. Forty years later, that original garage recording still has a charming energy that makes us proud. We are honoured that Vince Clarke has created such a distinctive personal remix of the B side "Almost."

The 40th anniversary edition of "Electricity" arrives on September 27th and is available to pre-order here.

OMD's career spanning collection Souvenir arrives October 4th and is available to pre-order here.



Published August 29th, 2019

The Dukes Of Stratosphear release complete recordings as 'Psurroundabout Ride'


Over the last few years XTC's catalog has been remixed by audio whiz Steven Wilson, and now the latest installment in the series has been announced.

Coming October 11th both full length albums from XTC's psychedelic pseudonym/alter ego/side project The Dukes Of Stratosphear will be reissued. Like the previous XTC collections, the original material has been remixed in 5.1 audio and surround sound by Steven Wilson and approved by Andy Partridge.

The complete Dukes recordings have been compiled on a CD/Blu-Ray release titled Psurroundabout Ride -- the collection includes the original and new mixes of 25 O'Clock and Psonic Psunpot, along with demos, instrumentals, and two bonus tracks. Additionally 25 O'Clock and Psonic Psunspot will be reissued individually on 200 gm vinyl.

Psurroundabout Ride and the vinyl reissues arrive October 11th and are available to pre-order here.



Published August 29th, 2019




Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Liam Gallagher marks 10th anniversary of Oasis dissolution with impassioned video


Ten years ago today is an important one in Oasis history -- the night of the legendary Noel Gallagher /Liam Gallagher backstage argument in Paris which ended with Noel leaving the band and shattering Oasis. Liam marked the tenth anniversary of the fateful discombobulation with a poignant, heartwrenching video.

"One Of Us," which appears on Liam's new solo album Why Me? Why Not., is an emotional musing about Oasis and his relationship with Noel and older brother Paul, who has been stuck in the middle of the family fray. The message is abundantly clear; Liam wants Oasis and his brothers back.

Check out "One Of Us" below.

Why Me? Why Not. arrives on September 20th and is available to pre-order here.



Liam Gallagher - North American tour

Oct 09 -- San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
Oct 16 -- San Diego, CA @ Viejas Arena
Oct 19 -- Seattle, WA @ T-Mobile Park
Oct 21 -- Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
Oct 24 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

Published August 28th, 2019

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Classic Alternative - Episode #120: Alas, Perhaps Onto The Horizon


Classic Alternative - Episode #120: Alas, Perhaps Onto The Horizon

Includes Oasis, Bauhaus, Depeche Mode, New York Dolls, Monaco, Northside, The Wedding Present, Pixies, and The Smiths.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


News stories from the week

Peter Murphy: "I have made a full recovery"
R.I.P. Tim Walsh, Northside guitarist
Oasis announce Listen Up - The Oasis Podcast
Simple Minds announce Live In The City Of Angels
Swervedriver announce U.S. tour; play Detroit
OMD announce career-spanning anniversary collection Souvenir

Oasis announce 'Listen Up: The Oasis Podcast'


Definitely Maybe, the debut album from Oasis turns 25 years old this week. To mark the grand anniversary, Oasis announced a four-part podcast Listen Up - The Oasis Podcast. The series includes stories behind the album and interviews with Oasis and their inner circle. The launch date for the premiere episode has not been announced, however the trailer is available to stream on Spotify.



Simple Minds announce live collection 'Live In The City Of Angels'


Simple Minds have announced details behind a new live release. Live In The City Of Angels was captured during last year's career spanning 31 date North American tour. The collection will be released on 4CD, 2CD, 4LP, and more. Head here for all the pre-order options. Live In The City Of Angels arrives on October 4th.

Stream "Love Song" from the collection below:

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Peter Murphy: "I have made a full recovery"


Peter Murphy postponed his New York residency earlier this month after suffering a heart attack. Yesterday Murphy revealed in a new statement that he's made a "full recovery" and thanked fans, his hospital care team, and tour staff for saving his life. Perhaps the most uplifting part of the statement -- other than knowing he's doing just fine -- is the final line of the statement where he mentions being grateful for his Bauhaus band mates.

Read the full statement from Peter Murphy below:

A personal statement from Peter:

Following my recent episode in New York City with my heart attack and being admitted into Lenox Hill Hospital and seeing myself go through the rigors of intensive care, I am very happy to say that I have made a full recovery. Thanks to the superb team of doctors, specialists, nurses and care staff. I am so glad to say I am up and running again.

My tour manager Brian Lowe and my assistant Chantal Thomas were directly instrumental in saving my life and to whom I cannot thank enough. I also want to thank every single friend and fan who has been supporting me throughout this ordeal. I remain grateful especially to my Bauhaus band mates.

xxx Peter

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

R.I.P. Tim Walsh, Northside guitarist


Tim Walsh, guitarist for the legendary Manchester band Northside has died. The band broke the tragic news to fans on social media yesterday (August 20).

Northside formed in 1989 and were a staple of the Madchester/baggy scene in the early 90s alongside The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and The Farm. The band released several singles and their sole full length record, Chicken Rhythms on Factory Records in 1991 (Geffen later released the album stateside). After a long hiatus all four original members reunited in 2013 and played several live shows in 2014 and 2015.

Walsh's cause of death has not been announced.

R.I.P.





Published August 21st, 2019

Swervedriver announce U.S. tour; play Detroit


Swervedriver hit the road for a new round of tour dates in the U.S. this fall. The tour includes a Detroit stop October 27th at El Club in Detroit. Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, August 23rd at 10am.

Swervedriver released their sixth studio album Future Ruins in January and toured behind the record in the spring along with Failure.



Swervedriver - U.S. tour

Oct 10 -- San Diego, CA @ Casbah
Oct 11 -- Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
Oct 13 -- Dallas, TX @ Dada
Oct 14 -- Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room
Oct 16 -- Atlanta, GA @ Hell
Oct 17 -- Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
Oct 18 -- Carrboro, NC @ Cats Cradle
Oct 19 -- Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
Oct 20 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit Hall
Oct 21 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy
Oct 22 -- New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
Oct 23 -- Astbury Park, NJ @ House Of Independents
Oct 24 -- Boston, MA @ Sonia
Oct 27 -- Detroit, MI @ El Club
Oct 28 -- Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge (React)
Oct 30 -- Denver, CO @ Bluebird
Nov 01 -- Portland, OR @ Bunk Bar
Nov 02 -- Portland, OR @ Bunk Bar
Nov 03 -- Seattle, WA @ Columbia City Theatre
Nov 05 -- San Francisco, CA @ Slims
Nov 06 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram

Published August 21st, 2019

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark announce 7 disc career-spanning set 'Souvenir' + new single


Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark announced a new career spanning greatest hits package titled Souvenir. The seven disc (5CD/2DVD) collection features all the band’s singles from their debut "Electricity" to "What Have We Done," as well as a brand new single "Don’t Go," which premiered on British radio yesterday. The set includes live material captured on their 1981 Architecture & Morality, 1983 Dazzle Ships, and 1985 Crush tours, 22 previously unreleased tracks, Crush The Movie, television appearances, and more.

Along with the limited edition 5CD/2DVD set, a condensed 2CD edition and 3LP edition of Souvenir will be released. All three editions arrive October 4th and are available to pre-order now.

Stream OMD's new single "Don't Go" below.



OMD - North American tour with B52's (bold dates are their only headline/solo dates)

Aug 21 –– San Antonio, TX – The Majestic Theater
Aug 22 –– Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
Aug 24 –– Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre
Aug 25 –– New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
Aug 28 –– Tampa, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
Aug 30 –– Ponte Vedra, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Aug 31 –– Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
Sep 03 –– Nashville, TN – Cannery Ballroom
Sep 04 –– Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Sep 06 –– Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre
Sep 07 –– Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bak Amphitheatre
Sep 08 –– Dayton, OH – Rose Music Centre at the Heights
Sep 11 –– Grand Rapids, MI – Meijer Gardens (onsale May 11th)
Sep 13 –– Toronto, ON – Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
Sep 14 –– Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Sep 17 –– Washington, DC – The Anthem
Sep 19 –– Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center
Sep 20 –– Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino
Sep 24 –– New York, NY – Central Park SummerStage

Published August 20th, 2019

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Classic Alternative - Episode #119: Dynamic


Classic Alternative - Episode #119: Dynamic

Includes The Jam, Bauhaus, Nitzer Ebb, The Jesus And Mary Chain, Gary Numan, The Fall, Joy Division, Teenage Fanclub, and The Smiths.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


News stories from the week

Peter Murphy suffers heart attack in NYC
The Cure share "Disintegration" live video
The Fall reissue studio LPs + live material from 1982

The Fall reissue studio LPs + live material from 1982


Three reissues involving The Fall's output from 1982 have been announced.

The Fall's fourth studio album, Hex Induction Hour, which was original released in March 1982 will be reissued on triple vinyl with original material, Peel Sessions, and other live material.

The Fall's fifth studio album, Room To Live, originally issued in November 1982, will be reissued on double vinyl with original and live material.

A six CD boxset titled The Fall: 1982 collects Hex Induction Hour, Room To Live, and the live album In A Hole, which was captured on the final date of the band's tour of New Zealand in 1982.

All three releases arrive on October 25th and are available to pre-order now.

Published August 18th, 2019

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Peter Murphy suffers heart attack in NYC


Peter Murphy was rushed to the hospital yesterday (August 13th) after feeling short of breath and suffering a heart attack. Murphy remains in New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.

Lenox Hill Hospital cardiologist Jason Song issued the following statement:

"Mr. Murphy was admitted for treatment of a myocardial infarction, had two stents placed in his right coronary artery, and was started on medications to manage his heart condition. He remains in the hospital for continued monitoring of his condition."

Murphy's family issued the following statement:

"We would like to thank the fans for their undying support and hope that Peter will be back on stage with a refreshed heart, stronger than before!”

Murphy has been in New York performing his solo album residency at Le Poisson Rouge. The four remaining residency shows (August 15, 16, 18, 19) have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later time. Refunds are also available for ticketholders if they so choose.

Much love and healing thoughts to the legendary Peter Murphy as he recuperates.

Published August 14th, 2019

The Cure share "Disintegration" from double concert film 'The Cure: 40 Live'


The Cure announced details for their double concert film The Cure: 40 Live last week. The release features the band's two career spanning 40th anniversary shows of 2018 -- CURÆTION-25 and Anniversary 1978 - 2018 Live In Hyde Park London. Today The Cure shared the full video of "Disintegration" which is available to view below along with the trailer for the release.

The Cure: 40 Live will be released October 18th as a limited edition deluxe boxset featuring 2 Blu-ray + 4 CD, or 2 DVD + 4CD; hardbook editions featuring 2DVD or 2Blu-ray are also available. Head here to view pre-order options.





Published August 14th, 2019

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Oasis announce 25th anniversary 'Definitely Maybe' release

Oasis' debut album Definitely Maybe turns 25 years old this month. To mark the momentous occasion, the band will be releasing a limited edition 25th anniversary picture disc edition of the classic record. The picture disc will be released exclusively through the official Oasis store on August 30th and is available to pre-order here.

Definitely Maybe was released August 29th, 1994 and was the fastest selling debut album in the U.K. at the time of release.



Noel Gallagher is currently on the road with Smashing Pumpkins in North America and will release a new EP This Is The Place on September 27th. Meanwhile, Liam Gallagher returns with his second solo album Why Me Why Not? on September 20th.



The Telescopes release 30th anniversary 'Taste' LP


The Telescopes have announced a 30th anniversary edition of their debut album Taste will be released on clear and purple vinyl on September 13th. The album originally released in June of 1989 and remains a seminal noise/shoegaze album.

The Telescopes debuted a new song "Strange Waves" earlier this month and will be releasing the track as a vinyl single September 6th.

Pre-order both of the releases here.



Published August 11th, 2019

Friday, August 9, 2019

Dinosaur Jr announce remastered expanded editions of classic albums


Four classic albums from Dinosaur Jr will be reissued as deluxe editions on September 27th. Green Mind (1991), Where You Been (1993), Without A Sound (1994), and Hand It Over (1997), have been remastered and expanded with related b-sides, singles, live material, and other extras. The albums will be released as 2CD sets and colored double vinyl (2LP double gatefold) on September 27th.

Green Mind will be released on green vinyl; Where You Been on blue vinyl; Without A Sound on yellow vinyl; and Hand It Over on purple vinyl. All of the vinyl editions include b-sides and live material, some of which has been previously unavailable on vinyl.

Pre-order info is available to view through Cherry Red here.



Published August 9th, 2019

Thursday, August 8, 2019

The Cure announce double concert film boxset 'The Cure: 40'


In 2018 The Cure played two career-spanning shows in the U.K. in celebration of their 40th anniversary. Today The Cure announced CURÆTION-25 and Anniversary 1978 - 2018 Live In Hyde Park London will be released as a double concert film titled The Cure: 40 on DVD/Blu-Ray/CD on October 18th.

CURÆTION-25 took place June 24th, 2018 on the tenth and final night of the Meltdown Festival at Royal Festival Hall in London. The 28 song set featured two songs from each of the Cure's 13 studio albums performed in chronological order along with two new non-album tracks.

Two weeks later -- July 7th, 2018 -- The Cure performed another career-spanning set at Hyde Park in London to a crowd of 65,000 fans. The 29 song Anniversary 1978 - 2018 Live In Hyde Park London performance went on to screen at select theaters worldwide last month.

The Cure - 40 Live will be released as a 2DVD/4CD deluxe box (DVD of each concert; the audio portion of each concert spread over two discs), 2Blu Ray/4CD deluxe box (blu ray of each concert; audio portion spread over two discs each), 2DVD hardbook, and 2Blu Ray hardbook. Head here to view all the pre-order options.

View the trailer and the tracklisting for the release below:




Disc 1 - CURÆTION 25 (DVD or Blu Ray)

01. Three Imaginary Boys
02. At Night
03. Other Voices
04. A Strange Day
05. Bananafishbones
06. A Night Like This
07. Like Cockatoos
08. Pictures Of You
09. High
10. Jupiter Crash
11. 39
12. Us Or Them
13. It's Over
14. It Can Never Be The Same
15. Step Into The Light
16. The Hungry Ghost
17. alt.end
18. The Last Day Of Summer
19. Want
20. From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea
21. Disintegration
22. If Only Tonight We Could Sleep
23. Sinking
24. Shake Dog Shake
25. One Hundred Years
26. Primary
27. A Forest
28. Boys Don't Cry

Disc 2 - Anniversary 1978 - 2018 (DVD/Blu Ray)

01. Plainsong
02. Pictures Of You
03. High
04. A Night Like This
05. The Walk
06. The End Of The World
07. Lovesong
08. Push
09. Inbetween Days
10. Just Like Heaven
11. If Only Tonight
12. Play For Today
13. A Forest
14. Shake Dog Shake
15. Burn
16. Fascination Street
17. Never Enough
18. From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea
19. Disintegration
20. Lullaby
21. Caterpillar
22. Friday I'm In Love
23. Close To Me
24. Why Can't I Be You
25. Boys Don't Cry
26. Jumping Someone Else's Train
27. Grinding Halt
28. 10:15 Saturday Night
29. KAA

Disc 3 - CURÆTION 25 (audio CD)

01. Three Imaginary Boys
02. At Night
03. Other Voices
04. A Strange Day
05. Bananafishbones
06. A Night Like This
07. Like Cockatoos
08. Pictures Of You
09. High
10. Jupiter Crash
11. 39
12. Us Or Them
13. It's Over
14. It Can Never Be The Same

Disc 4 - CURÆTION 25 (audio CD)

01. Step Into The Light
02. The Hungry Ghost
03. alt.end
04. The Last Day Of Summer
05. Want
06. From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea
07. Disintegration
08. If Only Tonight We Could Sleep
09. Sinking
10. Shake Dog Shake
11. One Hundred Years
12. Primary
13. A Forest
14. Boys Don't Cry

Disc 5 - Anniversary 1978 - 2018 (audio CD)

01. Plainsong
02. Pictures Of You
03. High
04. A Night Like This
05. The Walk
06. The End Of The World
07. Lovesong
08. Push
09. Inbetween Days
10. Just Like Heaven
11. If Only Tonight
12. Play For Today
13. A Forest
14. Shake Dog Shake

Disc 6 - Anniversary 1978 - 2018 (audio CD)

01. Burn
02. Fascination Street
03. Never Enough
04. From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea
05. Disintegration
06. Lullaby
07. Caterpillar
08. Friday I'm In Love
09. Close To Me
10. Why Can't I Be You
11. Boys Don't Cry
12. Jumping Someone Else's Train
13. Grinding Halt
14. 10:15 Saturday Night
15. KAA

Published August 8th, 2019

Johnny Marr debuts "The Bright Parade"


Johnny Marr is not one to sit around loafing. Last year he released his third solo record Call The Comet and since then he's been on the road touring in support of the album. Earlier this year Marr debuted a fantastic one-off single "Armatopia" and now he's gone and debuted yet another glorious non-album single titled "The Bright Parade." Stream "The Bright Parade" below and head here for more streaming/download options.



Published August 8th, 2019

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Factory Records celebrate 40th anniversary with two limited edition boxsets


Factory Records was established 40 years ago last year and to mark the important milestone Warner has announced the release of two limited edition boxsets celebrating the hugely influential and important label.

Use Hearing Protection: Factory Records 1978-79 collects the first ten FAC issued items: Joy Division's "Digital" single and seminal debut album Unknown Pleasures; OMD's "Electricity" single, A Factory Sample (double 7" compilation), three original Factory posters, film, stationery, and egg timer. Additionally a 60 page book, bonus 12" single, and two Joy Division interview CDs will be included in the boxset. Use Hearing Protection: Factory Records 1978-79 is limited to 4000 copies worldwide and will be released October 11th. Pre-order here and view the tracklisting below.

The second boxset Factory: Communications 1979 - 1992 compiles 63 tracks from Factory artists including Joy Division, New Order, A Certain Ratio, Section 25, The Durutti Column, Happy Mondays, Electronic, Revenge, The Other Two, James, The Railway Children, Northside, and many more. The compilation was previously issued on CD as a four disc set in 2009 and will receive a limited edition pressing on silver vinyl on November 8th. View the tracklisting below and pre-order here.


Use Hearing Protection: Factory Records 1978-79

FAC 1: 1978 Poster

FAC 2: A Factory Sample double 7" vinyl compilation:

Joy Division: "Digital"
Joy Division: "Glass"

Durutti Column: "No Communication"
Durutti Column: "Thin Ice"

John Dowie: "Acne"
John Dowie: "Idiot"
John Dowie: "Hitler’s Liver"

Cabaret Voltaire: "Baader-Meinhof"
Cabaret Voltaire: "Sex in Secret"

FAC 3: 1978 Poster

FAC 4: 1978 Poster

FAC 5: A Certain Ratio: "All Night Party" / "Thin Boys" 7” single

FAC 6: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: "Electricity" / "Almost" 7” single

FAC 7: Stationery - May 1979

FAC 8: Menstrual Abacus aka The Factory Egg Timer – presented on A4 Print

FAC 9: No City Fun aka The Factory Flick, 1979, (film) presented on DVD

FACT 10: Joy Division: Unknown Pleasures LP, June 1979


Factory: Communications 1979 - 1992 tracklisting

LP 1

Joy Division - Digital
Cabaret Voltaire - Baader Meinhof
A Certain Ratio - All Night Party
OMD - Electricity (Factory version)
Joy Division - She’s Lost Control
The Distractions - Time Goes By So Slow

Joy Division - Transmission
The Durutti Column - Sketch For Summer
X-O-Dus - English Black Boys
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
A Certain Ratio - Shack Up

LP 2

Section 25 - Girls Don’t Count
Crawling Chaos - Sex Machine
A Certain Ratio - Flight
The Names – Nightshift

New Order - Ceremony (original version)
Minny Pops - Dolphin’s Spurt
John Dowie - It’s Hard To Be An Egg
Crispy Ambulance - Deaf
Section 25 - Dirty Disco

LP 3

New Order - Everything’s Gone Green
Tunnelvision - Watching The Hydroplanes
The Durutti Column - Messidor
A Certain Ratio - Knife Slits Water (LP version)

Royal Family and the Poor - Art on 45
Swamp Children - Taste What’s Rhythm
New Order - Temptation

LP 4

52nd Street - Cool As Ice
New Order - Blue Monday

Cabaret Voltaire - Yashar (John Robie remix)
Quando Quango - Love Tempo
The Wake - Talk About The Past Side 9 (1983-84)

LP 5

New Order - Confusion
Marcel King - Reach For Love
Section 25 - Looking from A Hilltop (Megamix)

Stockholm Monsters - All At Once
Life - Tell Me
The Durutti Column - Without Mercy (Duet)
James - Hymn From A Village
Kalima – Trickery

LP 6

A Certain Ratio - Sounds Like Something Dirty
Quando Quango - Genius
Happy Mondays - Freaky Dancin’
Miaow - When It All Comes Down

The Railway Children - Brighter
Biting Tongues - Compressor
New Order - True Faith
Happy Mondays - 24 Hour Party People

LP 7

New Order - Fine Time
Happy Mondays - W.F.L. (Think About the Future)
Revenge - Seven Reasons

Happy Mondays - Hallelujah (Club mix)
Electronic - Getting Away With It
Happy Mondays - Step On
Northside - Shall We Take A Trip

LP 8

England New Order - World In Motion
Happy Mondays - Kinky Afro
The Durutti Column - Home
Electronic - Get The Message (DNA remix)

Northside - Take 5
Cath Carroll - Moves Like You (remix)
The Other Two - Tasty Fish
Happy Mondays - Sunshine and Love (Lionrock remix)

Published August 7th, 2019

Pixies debut single + video "Catfish Kate"


Pixies return with their seventh studio album Beneath The Eyrie next month. They've previously issued "On Graveyard Hill" and now they've unleashed the second single "Catfish Kate." Watch the animated video for the new single below.



Beneath The Eyrie arrives September 13th and is available to pre-order here.

Pixies have been detailing the making of Beneath The Eyrie in the 12 episode series It's A Pixies Podcast. Catch up with all the episodes here.

So far Pixies have not announced a North American tour behind their new record, though they will be a part of The Cure's Pasadena Daydream festival on August 31st along with Twilight Sad, Mogwai, Throwing Muses, and more.



Published August 7th, 2019

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Classic Alternative - Episode #117: Listless Shallows


Classic Alternative - Episode #117: Listless Shallows

Includes Gang Of Four, Bauhaus, Pulp, The Clash, Depeche Mode, Talk Talk, Trashcan Sinatras, and KMFDM.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


If you stream the program outside of the U.S. take note: Mixcloud will be implementing some changes soon which will slightly alter the streaming experience by removing a few features. It appears the changes shouldn't impact anyone streaming legally in the U.S. considering the involved features (rewind capabilities, limitless streaming) were never available in the United States to begin with.

The Classic Alternative shows I've created over the last two years have always followed the more restrictive U.S. content/streaming laws (no more than 4 songs per artist, etc) so the show archive should continue to be available to stream worldwide without issue.

Read Mixcloud's open letter regarding the changes here.

Andy Partridge + Robyn Hitchcock releasing 'Planet England' collaboration


In 2006 Robyn Hitchcock and Andy Partridge created some music together. The music will finally be released as a four song EP on September 6th. Planet England will be available as a 10" vinyl release and on CD. Both formats are available to pre-order here.

Robyn Hitchcock:

“Andy is the only person that I can easily write songs with. They simply appear, as if we were at a seance. He’s perhaps more logical than me, but it’s not really a contest, is it? A lot of song-writing is solving a puzzle that you’ve set for yourself; I really enjoy going round to his place in Swindon and puzzling with him. I live just up the road, in Nashville...”

Andy Partridge:

"Robyn's fierce inventiveness is a joy to work with. Like bathing in the sparks from some surreal angle grinder...I can cheerfully tell you that it's been one rather beautiful crashing creative event. ...that I want to repeat. Feels like being in a group again."

Published August 4th, 2019

Gang Of Four limited edition 'Entertainment!'


Gang Of Four's seminal debut album Entertainment! turns 40 years old in September. Rhino UK is offering a limited edition version of the album pressed on red vinyl. The pressing is limited to 500 copies and will be released September 20th. Head here to pre-order.



Ride premiere "Repetition" video


Ride return with their sixth studio album This Is Not A Safe Place on August 16th. A few weeks ago they premiered the single "Repetition" and now they've unleashed the accompanying music video which stars a washing machine. Check it out below.

This Is Not A Safe Place is available to pre-order here.



Ride -- North American tour

Sep 16 -- Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew's Hall
Sep 17 -- Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
Sep 18 -- Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount
Sep 20 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Sep 21 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
Sep 22 -- Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Sep 24 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Sep 26 -- Nashville, TN @ EXIT/IN
Sep 27 -- Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
Sep 28 -- Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
Sep 29 -- Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
Oct 01 -- Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
Oct 02 -- Dallas, TX @ Trees
Oct 04 -- Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater
Oct 07 -- Vancouver, BC @ Venue
Oct 08 -- Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
Oct 09 -- Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Oct 11 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
Oct 14 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Teragram Ballroom
Oct 15 -- San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues San Diego
Oct 16 -- Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory