Thursday, December 31, 2020

Morrissey bids adieu to 2020



Morrissey wraps up 2020 with a special video message...


Sunday, December 27, 2020

Curtain Call: A Classic Alternative Farewell To 2020


Curtain Call: A Classic Alternative Farewell To 2020

Robert Smith performs solo set of 'Faith' classics



Earlier this month Robert Smith performed a trio of songs off of Seventeen Seconds as part of a charity telethon. Days ago, for the Letters To Santa benefit concert, Smith once again gifted the world with a socially distanced solo performance; this time he chose three songs from Faith. Watch the master in action below:



1. The Holy Hour
2. The Funeral Party
3. The Drowning Man

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #186: Amongst The Scatterings


Classic Alternative - Episode #186: Amongst The Scatterings

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #185: Cog In The Wheel


Classic Alternative - Episode #185: Cog In The Wheel

Robert Smith plays 'Seventeen Seconds' tracks + joins Gorillaz live



Good to his word, Robert Smith appeared on two streaming events yesterday!

First, Smith performed at the Nine Lessons/Cosmic Shambles streaming event - he spoke briefly about the 40th anniversary of Seventeen Seconds, then performed three songs off the classic album. Watch his brilliant acoustic solo performance (barefoot, no less) of "In Your House," "M," and "Play For Today" below.

Next, Smith appeared on Gorillaz Song Machine Live - a livestreaming concert featuring a virtual full album performance of the collaborative album Song Machine. Smith joined Gorillaz for the song "Strange Timez."

Watch both performances below:




Saturday, December 12, 2020

Robert Smith to appear on streaming variety show + Gorillaz stream today

Robert Smith of The Cure has confirmed he's taking part in a streaming variety show and fundraiser which is being hosted by Robin Ince today on You Tube.

Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People is a streaming version of Ince’s original variety night which includes science, comedy, music and more.

Robert Smith announced on social media that he will be joining the live stream tonight at 10:45 pm UK time tonight (5:45pm ET).

The livestream is a 24 hour event and launched earlier today. The stream is free to watch, but those able are encouraged to contribute - some of the charities that are being supported includ Doctors Without Borders, Turn2Us, Mind: For Better Mental Health and the Kings Place Music Trust.

Head here to learn more. Watch the live stream here.

Meanwhile Smith will appear on Gorillaz Song Machine event happening today. Gorillaz will perform the full album along with many of the guest collaborators from the record. Smith has already confirmed he is participating and will be joning Gorillaz for "Strange Timez." The stream takes place at 7pm ET tonight. Tickets can be obtained here.





Friday, December 11, 2020

The Clash unveil new video for "The Magnificent Seven"



On the eve of the 40th anniversary of Sandinista! The Clash unveiled a brand new video for "The Magnificent Seven."

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

The The announce 'Muscle' ost + launch bootleg series


The The announced details for a new album.

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #184: Indecision Street


Classic Alternative - Episode #184: Indecision Street

New Order debut "Be A Rebel" video



New Order debuted the video for their new single "Be A Rebel."

Ned's Atomic Dustbin guitarist launches new project Obey Robots



Rat of Ned's Atomic Dustbin has launched a new musical project.

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #183: Guile


Classic Alternative - Episode #183: Guile

Friday, November 27, 2020

K÷93 (Killing Joke + Peter Hook) to issue recording from 1993





A collaboration featuring Peter Hook and Killing Joke will be released next year.

The project K÷93 features Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker of Killing Joke along with Peter Hook of Joy Division/New Order. In 1993 the trio of legends recorded together, but the fruits of the session were never released. Fast forward almost twenty years and three songs from the session will finally see light of day. On March 5th K÷93 release a limited edition 10 inch record pressed on clear vinyl. The single features the A-side "Remembrance Day" backed by "Giving Up The Ghost" and "Scrying" on the flip side.

The release is limited to 2000 copies and is available to pre-order here.

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #182: Fade To Black


Classic Alternative - Episode #182: Fade To Black

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Martin Gore announces new EP + debuts new single


Martin Gore released new music today.

Monday, November 16, 2020

Morrissey back on the market after being dropped from BMG


Morrissey has been dropped from BMG.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #181: Dismantle


Classic Alternative - Episode #181: Dismantle

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Bernard Sumner reveals he's recovering from Covid19




Bernard Sumner of New Order is recovering from Covid19.

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #180: Vessel


Classic Alternative - Episode #180: Vessel

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #179: Syntax


Classic Alternative - Episode #179: Syntax

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Gang Of Four issuing limited edition boxset


Gang Of Four release a limited edition boxset on December 11th.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Limited edition photo book 'Depeche Mode by Anton Corbijn'


The official illustrated history of Depeche Mode by Anton Corbijn will be released next month.

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Toil and Trouble: A Very Classic Alternative Halloween


Toil and Trouble: A Very Classic Alternative Halloween

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Joy Division/New Order podcast Transmissions: The Definitive Story




The official Joy Division / New Order podcast launches tomorrow.

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #178: Abscond


Classic Alternative - Episode #178: Abscond

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #177: The Grand Collapse


Classic Alternative - Episode #177: The Grand Collapse

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #176: Escape From Boast Island


Classic Alternative - Episode #176: Escape From Boast Island

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #175: Secrets


Classic Alternative - Episode #175: Secrets

OMD celebrate "Enola Gay" 40th anniversary with new remix + more


OMD's classic single "Enola Gay" turned 40 years old this week.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Budgie posts selfie from hospital

Legendary drummer Budgie (aka Peter Clarke) gave fans quite a scare on social media yesterday!

Budgie posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed, revealing he was "just out of the ICU" but didn't provide any other info other than to thank fans for their support.

After speculation and fear from fans ramped up online, Budgie's team provided a statement on Facebook confirming Budgie's situation was not dire and was instead just "routine maintenance" and he would be back to work behind the drums in a few days.

View Budgie's picture and team statement below.

"Just a quick note to reassure you that Budgie is absolutely fine and very grateful for all of your messages. This was just a little routine maintenance and he’ll be back behind the drum kit working on new projects in a couple of days. - team Budgie"



Budgie has several projects in the works - he and Lol Tolhurst announced a new project L X B earlier this year. The project is said to channel "the spirit of 1977" and new music is expected before the end of the year. Meanwhile Budgie and Tolhurst are collaborating on a podcast/series tentatively titled The Bleak End (details and premiere date still to be announced).

Most recently Budgie and Tolhurst were among the guests on ReMission International's cover of The Mission's classic anthem "Tower Of Strength." The cover version titled "TOS2020" which includes contributions from Martin Gore, Midge Ure, Gary Numan, was issued digitally in August. The physical edition arrives October 2nd and is available to pre-order here.


Pixies issue new single "Hear Me Out"


Pixies return with a new single "Hear Me Out."

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #174: Fraught With Peril


Classic Alternative - Episode #174: Fraught With Peril

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark announce livestream event 'You Me & OMD'


Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
are set to play a livestreaming event in October.

Depeche Mode announce 'Songs Of Faith And Devotion | The 12" Singles'


Depeche Mode announced the release of Songs Of Faith And Devotion | The 12" Singles.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

'Shoplifters Of The World' film slated for 2021 release



The film Shoplifters Of The World will be coming to screens in the U.S. next year.

New Order share "Blue Monday" lyric video



New Order posted an official lyric video for "Blue Monday."

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #173: Sordid Alliance


Classic Alternative - Episode #173: Sordid Alliance

Coldwaves virtual festival


Coldwaves
festival goes virtual this weekend.

The The issue 7" single "I Want 2 B U"


The The's brand new 7 inch single "I Want 2 B U" is available now.

The Style Council release 'Long Hot Summers' anthology



The Style Council release a three LP anthology in October.

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Robert Smith talks new Cure LP + "Strange Timez" collaboration




Robert Smith was interviewed along with Damon Albarn by BBC Music 6 today to discuss the new Gorillaz song "Strange Timez" featuring Smith.

Gorillaz debut song featuring Robert Smith



Gorillaz premiered a new song featuring Robert Smith of The Cure.

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

New Order's crown jewel 'Substance' arrives digitally


New Order's seminal singles masterpiece Substance is finally available digitally!

New Order issue new single 'Be A Rebel'



New Order issued a brand new single "Be A Rebel."

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #172: Impaled By Delusion


Classic Alternative - Episode #172: Impaled By Delusion

Nick Cave releasing film + live album 'Idiot Prayer - Alone At Alexandra Palace'



Nick Cave announced details behind a concert film and live album.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

New Order tease September 8th announcement



New Order have something up their sleeve!

Today New Order posted a teaser suggesting an announcement of some sort will be made on September 8th, which is next Tuesday.

No word on what they'll be unveiling, but perhaps: A song? Album? Remix? Live (or virtual) show? Merchandise? Art print?

Unlikely this will be some sort of reissue news since they've already announced the definitive edition of Power, Corruption, & Lies along with the reissue of the PCL-era non-album singles which arrive in October.

The mystery builds. Stay tuned.


Monday, August 31, 2020

Morrissey to release new version of "That's Entertainment" + Bowie duet in October


Morrissey announced the release of a 7 inch version of "That's Entertainment."

Peter Hook + The Light perform New Order rarity for John Peel tribute


Peter Hook + The Light covered a live version of the New Order rarity "Homage."

Hook and his band dusted off the unreleased Movement-era New Order track and performed it live yesterday (August 30th) during a John Peel tribute concert. The socially distant tribute was held yesterday to celebrate what would have been John Peel's 81st birthday. Hook revealed that New Order originally planned to perform "Homage" as part of their 1981 Peel Session, though they decided against it at the last minute.

View Peter Hook + The Light's performance of "Homage" below.



Sunday, August 30, 2020

Classic Alternative - Episode #171: Depth Of Insincerity


Classic Alternative - Episode #171: Depth Of Insincerity

Friday, August 28, 2020

ReMission International premiere single/video for "TOS2020"



ReMission International released the 2020 version of "Tower Of Strength" ("TOS2020") today.